You might recognise his style if you’ve picked up a can from Notts brewery Black Iris, and now Kev Grey has turned his talented hands to create our cover art...
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a 42-year-old artist based in Liverpool where I live with my wife Hayley and our two kids. I became serious about my artwork in the mid-nineties when I began making fanzines of my drawings and also started painting graffiti. I’ve now been working as a professional artist/designer for over two decades.
What was the inspiration behind the cover?
When I was asked to design the cover for the ‘Love’ issue I instantly had the idea to base the design on traditional tattoo flash imagery of a swallow and love heart. I have always loved the simplicity and boldness of a good piece of tattoo flash.
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in creating the piece?
There were no major challenges, I just enjoyed the process of starting with my initial rough concept and then seeing the artwork come to life as I completed the final design. The biggest reward to me is when I see my work out in the world whether it’s on a magazine cover, beer can, or whatever else I have been working on.
Tell us about some projects you’ve worked on in the past…
Some of the more notable projects I’ve been involved with include designing the signature Schecter Guitar for Porl Thompson of The Cure. I also spent a few years travelling around Europe and going to Hong Kong with the shoe brand Vans to hand-paint shoes with custom artwork at their in-store events and music festivals. Since 2008 I have also run my own publishing company, Gamblers Grin, through which I regularly release books and fanzines of my work.
What have you got planned for the future?
I honestly feel more focused and motivated now when it comes to creating artwork than I ever have, so when it comes to my work I just plan to continue working hard and enjoy what I do.
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