Introducing... The immaculate illustration of Tim McDonagh

It’s come to our attention that as a race, we humans are quite a nosy bunch; we like to snoop around and find things out, whether it’s our business or not (in fact even more so if it’s not). With that in mind we’ve decided to do some snooping for you, seeking out some of the finest new creative talent worldwide and asking them some probing questions about their life, their work and their daily routines. We’ll also be having a look at the spaces in which they work, from obsessively arranged desk setups to work benches covered in sawdust. And what are we dubbing this revealing new feature? Simple: Introducing. So without further ado…

Tim McDonagh is a Brighton-based illustrator who’s only been out of art college for two years. In that short time however, he’s made quite a name for himself; his crisp line-work and immaculate draughtsmanship earning him an impressive roster of clients including Vodafone, WIRED, Bloomberg Businessweek and Creative Review. He’s also been picked up by illustration agents Handsome Frank, which surely makes the task of making a living that much simpler. He’s also a master of colour-palettes, tinting his smooth line-work with well considered and complementary tones. Lovely.

All this skill prompted us to have a catch-up with Tim and find out a little bit more about his working day, and, more importantly what his desk looks like.

Where do you work?

I work from a desk in my bedroom, in a house I share with my girlfriend in Brighton. She doesn’t mind as long as I keep the noise down.

How does your working day start?

Earl grey tea, peanut butter on toast, check my usual websites (It’s Nice That being one), music on then I just carry on drawing whatever I put down the night before.

How do you work and how has that changed?

Well most of what I do is hand drawn, so it takes a lot of time, which is something I’ve been working on. I’ve found that I can work a lot quicker now and what conditions bring out the best in me. At university you’re given so long on briefs that when you start working professionally  it can be quite a shock how short your deadlines can be.

Where would we find you when you’re not at work?

I like doing personal projects too so I spend a lot of time on those (more planning rather than doing it seems). Also I’m getting pretty good at Battlefield 3.

Would you intern for yourself?

I think I would annoy me at first, but then I’d grow to like me.