This month's "Meet the Member" features Visual Development Consultant and professional illustrator Ian Pointer, who is fascinated by sci-fi concepts that 'toy with the dark side of everything we take for granted'.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you come to Unicorn Studios?
I can often be seen sitting in a park or at the coast sketching. As an artist first I approach everything with a style of creativity. I get a lot out of being surrounded by creative people and Unicorn Studios energises me to be a better visual communicator. And I do like to finish the week with a great pint of real ale in a cosy pub.
What was your first job?
After having successfully completed 5 years of study in art and visual communication I landed a job as lead illustrator for a small design company. My duties were to formulate and create the illustration and design for children’s activity books.
The first project was a series of Manga style activity books. It challenged me to work in a visual style I’d only dabbled in before. The project was a big success and continues to sell well through the publishing company.
Aztec Madness (Wicked Tattoos S.) on Amazon
What work accomplishment are you most proud of?
The children’s books I have created over the years are the most fun by far but my pride is in how I have worked in a variety of different fields, from classic fairy tale illustrations to high-profile, dynamic video wall displays.
Career-wise, the award winning digital applications I’ve created encompass all the skills I have developed in the past decades. There is something rewarding about seeing your own visual designs being appreciated.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m an early bird. I don’t sleep much and work on a dynamic schedule. I may start work at 2:30 in the morning or 11:00 in the morning, depending on the clients needs and timescale. All in all, I like to keep creativity going.
What’s one of your favourite memories this year?
Hmm! From the last year I would have to say visiting NASA in Houston when I was working over there. I felt like a kid again, remembering my red telescope I had for watching the moon in my bedroom.
My job generally provides me with the opportunity to travel to some beautiful places and the Fjords of Norway would be a close second in answer to this question.
When working at home what is your guilty pleasure?
Generally I’m into sci-fi concepts and often have a favourite episode of Doctor Who on in the background. I know it’s ‘my time’ when the Tardis sound fills the living room.
I’m also a huge fan of the Black Mirror series, the Twilight Zone for the digital age. I am fascinated by concepts that toy with the dark side of all we take for granted.
What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year that you’ve never done before?
This year I still need to enjoy the 40th birthday gift I got from my siblings, going on a hot air balloon ride. Something I’ve always wanted to do. Where it will be though is yet to be determined.
What is your hidden talent?
Hidden talent? I would probably say music. I took to piano very quickly when I was young and have a good sense of rhythm and composition.
Sadly, at school we had to choose between Art or Music and I chose art. But I’ve dabbled in creating digital chill out music and playing piano.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
Concert pianist with modern fusion. I would love to have the skill to enter a stage and carry a rendition of Ludovico Einaudi’s Novule Bianche, or turn up in a bar and play soft jazz on the piano to a group of good spirited people.
What three people would be your fantasy coworkers at Unicorn studios? And why?
By fantasy co-workers, I would presume that includes anyone creative, living or deceased. In this case;
1. Edward Hopper, he would inspire me to express the love I have for the humble social scenes of society.
2. Christopher Nolan… his grasp on narratives of desperate reality, influenced by the struggles of a central male character spark my fascination of real life questions.
3. Then the last (and greatest choice), would be Richard Linklater, creator of the Before Sunrise series and Waking Life. His grasp of the thinking philosophy of Phillip K Dick is extraordinary. Linklater’s films reflect the anxieties of reality in a ballroom of eclectic thought experiment. To me, he is the most influential visual communicator of modern times.
Would you rather be a tiny unicorn or a giant hamster?
That’s a 50/50 question. I would veer towards a tiny Unicorn. I could slip in and out of peoples peripheral and leave them frowning, in a state of question as to whether they just saw a tiny horse with a golden head spike or not. Providing an obscure lasting thought in their daily routine.
Sketchbook: Doodles of Ian Pointer on Amazon
Portfolio
View Ian's portfolio on Behance here.
Benefits of joining Unicorn Studios
Productivity
Work-life balance
Cost effective
Collaboration
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