I am David Vogin.
Who am I?
I live in Frederick, MD USA—which is located just outside of Washington, DC.—with my wife, daughter and son. My main career is that of a graphic designer which I have been doing for over 15 years. It wasn’t until 2004 that I started my illustration work professionally although it had always been a part of my design philosophy. I, like most designers and illustrators, was always drawing and painting growing up. I had originally gone to college with the intentions of career as an architect but after a year of physics and advanced calculus, I quickly decided that graphic design was more my speed!
Approach to Illustration and Design
Both my design and illustration work is very textural. I love the fact that I can evoke a certain feeling by combining different elements and textures in ways that really cannot be done by hand. I think that my experience as a graphic designer has really helped my approach to illustration assignments because I think the same way as the art director. I love typography and usually incorporate text in some way into each illustration. My illustrations definitely have a vintage quality to them. It’s reflected in the color palette and the choice of imagery that I use.
My approach to design and illustration are a vary a bit. Design is all about the service or product you are designing for. Who’s the target audience…where do they live…what do they like…etc. If I am designing a music package for a country music artist, it’s not going to have the same look or feel as if I am designing a logo or brochure for a retirement community or a business magazine. So although I love the rich textures, I also love clean, classic design and typography. Design is all about typography!
Illustration is all about the story. That’s why I love it so much. My job as an illustrator is to visually interpret a given story or concept. Typically there is not that much art direction…the Art Director likes your style, gives you the story or idea and let’s you do your thing.
Career and Projects
My first “big break” as a designer was in 1993 when I was hired by the Discovery Channel as a freelance designer. I got to work with and learn from some incredible designers while I was there. I’ve been an art director and creative director for a small design studio; worked for a major US magazine as an associate and went out on my own 7 years ago.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have some really great clients. There have been many great projects over the years.
Programs and Tips
I use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for illustration. For design I use Photoshop and Illustrator as well, but also InDesign or Quark Xpress for layout.
The best tip I can give is to just play in the programs and figure things out on your own. Every time I start a new illustration I discover something new.
Workflow
My workflow varies from job to job although it always starts with research. If I’m working on a logo, I’ll sketch for days. If it’s an illustration, sometimes I’ll start off on the computer playing with textures and backgrounds and roughing in the concepts. From there I will go back to the sketchbook to work out the concept…and then back to the computer. Unlike most illustrators, my sketches are computer “comps” that could be considered final illustrations. I like to work in hires (300dpi) instead of doing rough work in 72dpi and then having to recreate what has been done.
Websites to get inspire
I usually don’t. I’m a print guy…I’ll look though design magazines or books or annuals just to get the creative juices flowing. I’ll also take a walk around my town…wander through one of the many antique stores…just try to clear my head. I really like Behance Network (Behance.net—which I am on—to see a variety of creative. Also the iSpot (theispot.com) and The Alternative Pick (altpick.com) for illustration. Lately with Twitter and design blogs such as yours, I’ve been finding lots of great inspiration.
Characteristic of my work
Typography, texture, vintage concert posters, books, a really great logo, my kids of course!
Future
I try not to look down the road like that. Let’s see… I would like to have the same passion for design and illustration that I have today and still love what I do. I’d also like to do some gallery shows
Family and Approach to work
I would not say my approach changed. The time I devoted to working changed when my daughter was born, but working for myself makes it easier to do. I’ve recently started a series of illustrations that are more kid friendly and have done a couple of things specifically for my children.
Visit his sites:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=258369&id=199610065436#!/DavidVoginIllustration?v=wall
http://www.theispot.com/dvogin/
And now the illustrations:
Source Box
All images from the David Vogin site: http://www.davidvogin.com/
