David Doran
David Doran is an illustrator, artist and animator working from his studio by the water in Falmouth, Cornwall.
By maintaining a hand-made and personable quality through his unique use of texture, colour and composition, his distinctive and charming illustrations are immediately recognisable and have come to be renowned.
With clients that include Penguin, BMW and British Airways, his work can be seen on book covers, billboards, magazines and in the Empire State Building.
Q. Tell us a bit about what you do and what inspires your work?
I am an illustrator and artist working from my studio in Falmouth, Cornwall. I spend my days either drawing, planning drawings or thinking about drawing. Over the years, I’ve been very fortunate to work with amazing clients and people, and always consider it a privilege to be involved in a project.
Since childhood, I have always drawn what I’m interested in. From superheroes to skateboarders or basketball players to beach scenes, it’s somehow been a way for me to process the world through my interests. This is still the case today.
There are specific themes that recur in my work: boats, swimming, sports, city scenes - all of which I’m aiming to capture a specific feeling in; whether it’s the sense of location, the light, the shadows and by focusing on small details that really add humanity to a scene.
My brother, Jon Doran ( www.jondoran.co.uk ), is a painter and has a studio in the same building as me. In many ways our days now are a continuation from our childhood; talking about what inspires us, discussing the work we are making and taking ping pong breaks in the afternoon.
Q. Where's home and what are the places and spaces that make you happy?
My wife and I have called Falmouth home since we met at University 13 years ago and are now raising our growing family here. Being close to nature where we can easily and quickly access the sea and the countryside is a real priority for us. We will often be found dipping in the harbour, heading to a beach for the sunrise or running along the coastal paths. We love being a part of the small creative community, going to the coffee shop where my work is on display (Beacon Coffee) and bumping into familiar faces on the short walk into town.
Q. What does cycling mean for you and where do you like to ride?
Most of my cycling done is the short journey along the river to and fro from my studio. Even though this journey is short, it’s a very important part of my day. It creates space to mentally prepare for the work that I’ll be creating that day and to organise my thoughts.
More importantly, it then helps me to cycle home as fast as possible to play with my daughter for the few hours before bedtime.
David Doran @daviddoran_
Image Credit: Izzy Doran @_izzydoran_
