Blood, Sweat & Fears - Interview with Tom Blackford, Street Artist and Illustrator

Steven is in conversation, at Woodbury House, with Tom Blackford,  illustrator, comic artist, muralist, and art director. His subject matter is often dark although executed using a vivid and distinct colour palette. 
Tom shares his journey as an artist and the development of style and technique which led to the very distinctive work he now creates both on the street as a graffiti artist and on canvas as an illustrator.
​They discuss the inspiration and influences for his artwork and how the varying mediums he works across influence each other in the creation of work that is unique and
thought-provoking.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
             How do you manage your time being on social media as an artist?
The rise in importance with regard to having a presence on Instagram has changed the landscape of the freelance artist.
If your career relies on self-promotion then social media is a vital platform to enable the promotion of work.
How do you go about making the transition from street artist to working on canvas?
My background is in illustration, I've always drawn but it wasn’t until I started with graffiti that I really began to understand composition, colour and blending.
The techniques I learnt from working on graffiti organically transitioned into working on canvas.
Where does your style come from?
I've always had a dark quirky style that better suits individual pieces than narrative work.
My formative years of painting with other more experienced artists was a good introduction.
Once you come to terms with and master the technical aspects you can then express yourself.
All good art should promote a reaction. Even a negative reaction to my work is interesting and demonstrates that I’m doing something right.
What have you gone through and how has it helped your work?
I have over the years suffered from anxiety and have found that anxiety and other mental illness is commonplace with artists.
I produce my best artwork and am most productive when I’m anxious, stressed or pissed off.
The minute I start feeling content is the point at which I begin to experience creative blocks It's not until I want to vent something or get something out that I start to create interesting stuff.
What goals and vision do you have for your work over the next few years?
I what to focus more on the canvas work, currently I use the summer months to focus more on street art taking advantage of the longer days and in the winter I work more on canvas.
Working in film is something I want to explore, and I have ideas and a vision for what I want to produce in this medium.
 
BEST MOMENTS
‘There is a very entrepreneurial mindset involved in being a graffiti or street artist ‘
‘I’ve had work violently painted out before because of someone’s response to my work’ ‘People need an access point to your work and buy into the person, not just the canvas’
‘I think most people will know me for my street work’
‘I try and spend as little time as possible on social media as it can become a black hole for distractions’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Steven Sully Study Podcast
Tom Blackford website
 
ABOUT THE HOST
The Steven Sulley Study is my take on success. My view is you should have multiple focuses to be a well-rounded individual. Success shouldn't be just one thing like money, for example, it should also consist of a healthy fit lifestyle and thriving relationships. As a person who has made a success in life and also made huge cock-ups I feel I can offer suggestions and tips on how to become successful or at least start your pursuit. My 'Study' has taken resources from reading and education plus being around, my perception, of successful people and I, know a lot of successful people from all walks of life. My 'Study' coming from my experiences in business, investing, sales (my core background), training, boxing and education has enabled me to become well rounded and successful.
 
CONTACT METHOD
http://www.instagram.com/sulley.steven
 
This show was brought to you by Progressive Media