My name is Shannon Wootton, I’m 22 (tomorrow) and I’m in my final year at the Manchester School of Art doing Graphic Design. I’m Manchester based but originally from Macclesfield. I started within a fine art environment then moved into illustration, which resulted in me finding my own style/aesthetic. I then decided to do a degree in Graphic design to broaden my understanding of art.
Who and what are your influences?
My earliest influence was Japanese art styles such as anime/manga. I grew up watching Naruto and Sailor Moon so I always had a deep love for the art style and noticed it took a stronghold in the direction of my own artwork.
What is your creative process?
That’s a tough one. Mine is quite sporadic. I’m not the most organized person, so a lot of the time my artwork has been produced very spontaneously. I tend to whack some bangers on.
I started off very traditionally based, so drawing and painting. But once I started my graphic design degree I was introduced to digital art which was something I’ve always wanted to try. Now I’m coming to the end of my degree, digital art has become one of my main practices, I love what you can do and how you can further your artwork. I’m excited I see how far I can go in this realm of art.
What do you do to get into a creative flow?
Music! I’ve never been one to listen to relaxing/ambient music whilst working. It tends to be pretty heavy stuff, I think it represents my head as it can be quite a chaotic space so if I have that presented externally I tend to be more relaxed internally.
Who’s caught your ear recently?
WithinBodies crew (multiple individual DJs within), the Heliocentric crew, Bloomfeld, Poison Ivy, the list goes on and I’m in a very lucky position to be surrounded by these talented people. I wish I could name everyone but me being the goose I am I would defo forget someone.
I have always had a guilty pleasure for harder stuff, such as industrial techno, DnB, ghetto house, etc. I’ve also grown up with my parents listening to trance, 80’s, synth, etc so I’ve always kept an open mindset and had a love for all music. As long as I can have a boogie or a skank I’m happy. I’m lucky to also be surrounded by amazing DJs, so constantly being shown new stuff!
What’s the idea behind the series of pieces you have created for your week residency?
With 2020 looming over us and the fear of what lies ahead I thought I’d focus on a futuristic/robot theme. Like I mentioned I’m very spontaneous and sporadic when it comes to working. The first illustration is a futuristic take on the Limbo logo, which then locked in the theme throughout. I also want to tie in music, old and new and overall just a dystopian aesthetic.
What can people expect from you in 2020?
I think honestly for 2020 I really just wanna embrace my artwork and be proud of it, I’ve always had such a love/hate relationship with what I create. But by getting more involved with freelance and projects it’s made me realize that I can produce something I’m proud of; something I want to show the world. And I’m really grateful for this opportunity you guys have given me.
We’re so grateful for the bespoke pieces you have made for us and it’s been a pleasure showcasing your work to our community, so thank you for that and thank you again for taking the time out to chat with me, you have been great! Oh, and happy birthday for tomorrow!
Thank you!
