Phill is the 30 (something) year old INFJ from Norwich on the East Coast of England. By day a Compliance & Quality Manager and maker extraordinaire by night. A lover of bookbinding, hand lettering and of course art journaling. His style of art journaling could be described at minimalist, as he enjoys balance between positive and negative space.

How do you live a creative life?

To me, a creative life doesn’t mean sitting down and painting everyday. It could be the way I approach a problem at work, making something to eat for lunch or belting out a song which is playing on the radio on my way home. Anything that gives me that feeling of joy like I get when I do get the chance to make a journal page or bind a book.

Do you put your life into your art journal? Or is it focused on technique?

I tried to put my life into my art journal, a failed attempt at Project Life, made me realise my life is rather dull!! Now a days I tend to include elements of my life as a whole or include snippets of ‘overheard conversations’ or song lyrics. – Overheard conversations makes for a great starting off point in creating!

What is your biggest barrier to creating?

The biggest barrier to me creating is space. I currently live with my parents; and I create from my bedroom, normally on a lap tray. This can be difficult when supplies are in storage boxes under my bed. Projects get started and have to be put away at the end or part way through.

How do you get over that hurdle?

This year, I’m building my own studio/man cave in the garden! I’ve realised for sometime I need my own space where I can create or refill my creative well. It’s been awhile in the making, however 2019 will be my year!

What has been your biggest lesson when it comes to creating art?

For me, my biggest lesson in creating art was to try as many different things as possible. Before I found art journaling I tried; painting, surface design, book binding, writing, project life, drawing all of which I try to incorporate in my art journaling.

What is your favourite art journal page you’ve ever made? Why is it your favourite?

My favourite art journal page would be my ‘dream a little dream’ spread. I just love how all of the different techniques come together; paint scraping, collage, hand lettering and surface pattern.

Have you ever actively disliked a page you’ve made? What did you do with it?

I’ve made some many pages I dislike! Some I just chalk it up to experience, others I try to change it into something else (this has resulted in things being cut up), sometimes I just post it to Instagram and get a whole load of positive comments! It does show how subjective art can be.

Have you ever been through artist block? What did you do to overcome it?

Gosh, many times!! What helps depends on what is going on in my life. If I feel cluttered I go through my stash and recycle or donate items I just won’t ever use. If I feel alone I post a message in the Get Messy forums. If I feel lost I go to the beach! To me the beach wakes all the senses and brings home.

What’s the best art advice you’ve ever received?

I guess mine is a bit of reverse advise. My art teach at high school said; “You try, but you’ll never be an artist.” My response “Watch me!”

What does community do for your creating?

The community continues to inspire me everyday. Even on the days I don’t create something formally, just going through Instagram, Blogs or the GM Forums I feel wrapped in the joy of creativity.

Who would you like to celebrate in the Get Messy community?

I would like to celebrate Chris Silker or stumblingoverchaos as I know her on Instagram. I love her playful use of colour, bold statements and vintage typewriters!!

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