Ruan Van Vliet is an award-winning Irish artist from Dublin, whose drawings we had the honour to feature on Kneesocks and Quicksand labels. He’s also been commissioned by companies like KT and Vans, exhibited internationally and appears in the liner notes of countless records from the Irish underground scene.
Ruan’s artwork is recognisable for its bright blobs of colour, smudgy expressive lines and absurdist worldview. He gave us the pleasure of having a virtual interview so now we get to share with you what we found out about his story, creative process and inspirations as an illustrator.
Take a few minutes to read his interview. Cheers!
1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? Where you are from, your background, etc.
My name is Ruan van Vliet and I am an Illustrator based in Dublin. I was born here a long time ago, my Dad was an Artist and an Ad Man and a Designer. In school I was the one who was good at drawing, until 4th Class, then someone else became The One and I retreated into the shadows and focussed on becoming a metaller.
2. When and how did you first start making art?
I suppose the first thing I remember making is a picture of a cowboy and their horse, in Junior Infants. The teacher was impressed with how I had got the relative sizes of the two correct. I got a gold star, that was my entry into the art world.
3. How would you define your artistic style?
I’m trying to make some Ruany stuff.
4. What or who are your inspirations? Where do you take your inspirations from?
I get a lot of ideas from chatting with pals, “shooting the shit” and having a laugh. I also steal a lot of my ideas from the lyrics to Country songs.
5. What is your creative process like?
There is a lot of sitting and staring, I tend to start with an idea rather than sketching from nothing, that’s something I’m trying to change. Once I’ve hit on something, I try to work fast and keep as much early energy in the work as I can. I normally use a Stabilo Woody or a Berol Karismacolor to draw. I scan the drawing and then colour and edit in Photoshop. The digital side of things can drive me a bit wild with distraction so I’m trying to do more and more before scanning, I need less options.
6. How do you see the local art scene?
Lots of really nice and talented people who unfortunately are my enemies and must be crushed.
7. What are the biggest challenges for you as an artist in the current world scenario (covid-19 pandemic) and how did you manage to adapt to this new reality?
I’m lucky that I can work anywhere, and working from home for a year has taught me a lot and made me consider how I use my time. My biggest challenge was carrying my 100 year old scanner from my studio to my house, it’s the size of a small fridge.
8. Can you tell us a bit about your latest projects?
I’ve been doing a funny job for the Dept. of Health’s COVID safety campaign since December, funny because the ads get targeted at 18-30 year olds so I never see them in situ. I just do these funny drawings every few weeks and send them off to fend for themselves in a part of the internet that is hidden from me.
9. Any new plans/projects for the future? Could you tell us a bit?
Yes and No. Answering these questions is my last real responsibility for the week and it’s only Monday morning. But there’s always something on the boil, another book, more beers, more clothes, giant statues…
10. Where can people find more about you and your work?
Please visit my website ruanvanvliet.com and follow me here: Instagram | Twitter | Letterboxd