Moondoglovesyou “Create your own form of communication”
Lloyd talks to us about his greatest achievement and gives some fantastic advice about developing your own characters.
Final Part
A: What inspires your work?
L: I do most of my cartoons when I’m out at parties or gigs. The mood takes me and I do a doodle to make people laugh. I love the crazy things people say and try to put a different perspective on the everyday. In general I’m inspired by other people who are passionate about what they do. I’m also very inspired by music and have done t-shirts and CD covers for friend’s bands.
A: What do you think makes a successful character?
L: I think it is partly an easily identifiable image that would work even if you only saw it in profile. moondog works because it’s a logo, almost like a graffiti tag. But also a great character has to be something people can relate to. I’ve continued drawing the little moon-children from my comic as my Everyman character a bit like Bod or Thurber’s little bald men. My favourite characters are simple clear designs that are like signatures. I love Snoopy, Astroboy, The Moomins and Miffy.
A: What advice would you give up and coming artists who want their work to get
seen by a large audience?
L: I’ve never been a big believer in gallery exhibition and niche audiences because I always think it’s better to get your work seen by lots of people from different walks of life rather than just those who are interested in fine art. That’s why I admire graffiti artists and outsider artists who do things outside the establishment. My advice would be to create your own form of communication. Don’t just wait for someone else to help you out or take your idea to another level. If that happens that’s great, but don’t wait for it. Use your imagination to find new modes of expression, and above all be open to other people’s advice and ideas. Even if you disagree, you’ll learn something about yourself.
A: What has been your greatest achievement to date?
L: It must be publishing my own book of cartoons. I got it printed and distributed it myself. It sold best in galleries especially Tate Modern. It sold over 1000 copies but unfortunately I couldn’t afford to make any more or make a follow up. I’m also very proud of co-founding, HungaMunga, the arts and music night and collective, with my best friend Vicki Senett. We bring a lot of happiness to people who love to come to our Recycled Art Parties and make art while we put on bands and DJs.
A: Tell me about your future plans?
L: I’m focussing on HungaMunga at the moment. As well as the music and arts events and a festival next year, we’re planning a HungaMunga book with arts and crafts projects and cartoons, and few collaborative art projects and events. “moondog loves you” is very much part of that world. I’m working some animated music videos, and some characters for Nizlopi’s new website and I’m sure there’ll be another moondog book one day. I’m also working on some greetings cards to sell in my favourite shops. The cards are still out there and I’m sure I’ll keep making them for some time yet.
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