Hey there Matthew
Hello Stuart.

I have a few questions for you.
Lets go

Matthew the horse, how did this name arise?
I thought the idea of a horse called Matthew was silly, but not unrealistic. Not like a horse called Tracey or Phillippe.

How did you establish your style and what draws (no pun intended) you to keep producing work in this style?
I supposed my intention has always been to try and make work that visually communicates an idea, that makes it’s own special sound. Drawing on the vibes of other artists work, rather than their visual approaches. I keep going because I love drawing and ideas are fun and I’ve always had this feeling that one day I might get it right. If I couldn’t draw then I’d have to find another way to communicate idea’s, maybe through rap or synchronized swimming.

You have been featured in quite a few publications how do you go about getting your work out there?
Pester people as much as you can. Make friends. Keep friends. Find new avenues. Make work that people haven’t seen before (that one maybe doesn’t reference me)

What was it like Doing your first exhibition, Where was it and was it successful?
It was in east London at Jaguar Shoes. I was asked to supply the art work, but someone else put it together. I was very lucky to be asked. The great thing with a show is that people will go away with your name in their head. If they enjoyed the show, then you’ll have a good place in their head. Then perhaps they’ll tell their friend who is a friends with someone who knows the Queen and eventually, through word of mouth, the Queen asks me to design the new £10 note. That’s the goal.

Have there been any highlights for you as an illustrator?
Every time I draw something new that might work. It’s those discoveries that keep the whole practice going.

There is a long list of clients that you have worked for how do you find communicating for a brief as apposed to personal work?
I much prefer working to a brief. The problem solving aspect is much more of a challenge because of the existing constraints of the client. The fun comes trying to crow bar my own intentions into a piece that also satisfies a client. I’m still working on that.

Your illustrations have a strong visual social commentary, Where do these messages stem from?
There’s no point being a communicator if you don’t have any opinions.

Do you have any future plans or projects on the go?
I’d like to make some more paintings and perhaps lean some work in a more graphic direction. More drawing, more day dreaming. That’s the problem these days. More time please

And finally any last words from the horses mouth?
If you have a thick coat and a hat, now is the best time of year to go outside. When I’ve finished drawing today I’m going out for a walk in the leaves. Everything is better outside.