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Andrew Bell, an artist from England living in Brooklyn has some strange but cute creatures in his head. He started creating daily illustrations out of images or doodles that popped in to his head and published them on his site every single day without fail. And now, not only does he sell prints of his illustrations, but also toys, clothing and books.

When we asked Andrew to enlighten us about his art, he was very gracious to spare some time to answer couple of our questions. Read further to learn about him and his art from the artist himself:





To begin with, tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m an artist living and working in Brooklyn, NYC. I focus mostly on illustration, painting, sculpting and toy design.


You're largely known for your illustration project 'Creatures in my head'. Enlighten our readers with some details about it.

It started as a way to motivate myself to draw more often. I would doodle some monsters here and there at my day job, eventually I built a site and updated it with a new creature every day. I did this for about 5 years straight without missing a day, before I scaled back to focus on some bigger projects. About 6 years ago I quit my job at Nickelodeon to work on my own artwork full time.


























How did these imaginative creatures pop-up in your mind? Is there any story or incident behind it?

Some have a back story or specific inspiration, but most are just on-off doodles that pop into my head for no real reason.


We came across three associations with the Great Artist Andrew Bell: “dead zebra, inc”, “dyzplastic” and “dumbrella” ? Are there more? :)


I think that’s most of them! Dead Zebra, Inc is my official company name, Dyzplastic is the toy production division of that company, and Dumbrella is a loose collective of artist/comic creating friends who get together to present at conventions and party!



You create paintings, toys, sculptures, clothing, books, accessories (am I missing on something ;) ). How do you manage all this? What keeps you going?

It’s fun! I spent many years creating digital designs, illustrations and games that only existed inside the computer. It feels great to create actual items that can be touched, played with, shared and treasured in a way that virtual items can’t be. I create artwork for fun, and any products I may make with that artwork has to be something that I would want myself.


























Which creation possessed by you is closest to your heart?

I’m rather partial to my giant LEGO zombie men. They were created a few years ago for an art show focusing on childhood playthings nostalgia. I couldn’t let them go, so they hang out with me in the studio.






























Name us a few toys designed by you and which is your favourite?

I've designed a number of original toys such as Groob, Zliks, O-No Sushi and created figure designs for companies such as Kidrobot and Google. I think O-No Sushi is one of my favorites, mostly for the reaction it elicits from people who see it for the first time.



























How and where do you promote your work?

Most of the usual online outlets, including primarily my own sites, followed by twitter, facebook and newsletters. I also attend several comic and culture conventions throughout the year, and show artwork in group and solo art shows in shops and galleries. I occasionally indulge in a print ad for kicks.


Our readers and many aspiring artists would love to have a 'piece of advice' from Andrew Bell himself.

Don’t be afraid to share your work, and produce new work on a regular basis! It’s great practice and it helps you build an audience in the process.



























What's in the bag regarding future projects you're going to rock?

Android mini collectibles Series 02 is due out in a little over a month, and the sequel to O-No Sushi will be arriving this summer! I also have a big art show in Chicago on March 25th at Rotofugi.



























Apart from creating toys designs and imaginative monsters, what do you do or what other things interests you?

I don’t really have time to do much else! I enjoy movies, goofing off online and the occasional video game. However, since I’m my own boss, it’s mostly work!



























What do you have to say about eCommerce? How useful you find it and what do you think, will it replace the traditional trade method completely?

Hard to believe I’ve been involved in eCommerce for so many years! I had a PayPal account when it was known simply as “x.com”. I love eCommerce, and it is an integral part of my life. While it will never completely replace traditional shopping, it is an important alternative and occasional enhancement. Being able to see and touch an item is an experience that simply can’t be matched, but the convenience of shopping from your chair comes close!





























Where you would like to see yourself after a decade from now?

Space.

Thank you Andrew for taking out the time for a wonderful interview, we can't wait to see more creatures from your head. :)


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