Artist Spotlight - Adam Illes

17 Jun

Written By Kate Griffiths

Artist Name: Adam Illes

Artist IG: @adamilles.visuals

Artist FB: Adam Illes

YouTube: Adam Illes

Artist Website: w ww.adamilles.com

Artist location/country: Hungarian, currently in the UK

When did you first know you were a creative person?

I think it was somewhere in my teenage years. Started with graffiti, but back then I didn’t pay too much attention to the creative aspect of it. I was a busy rebel. Hahaha

How did your creative journey start?

I moved to Ireland when I was 18. When I got caught up in the grey everyday life of a full time worker, I started to actually paint and explore ways to express myself on my days off.

Did you receive a formal art education, or are you self-taught?

I’m entirely self taught.

What is the most significant challenge you've faced as an artist to date?

As a full-time artist, the biggest challenge is to maintain consistency with my commercial work that is actually within my preferred style. Also, being as creative as I would like to be with my commercial work, which doesn’t necessarily allow me to express myself fully, can be challenging sometimes.

One worry or wobble you still have about being an artist?

Not being technically able to express myself through painting. Falling in love with imperfection.

Do you feel you have a distinct style to your art?

I feel like I am definitely cultivating a distinct style and it could be visible for the audience but for me it’s still cooking.

How has your style evolved?

Once I felt that it’s time to move on from graffiti letters, I started painting portraits and characters, then started to blend them into abstract geometric stuff, and that’s where it is at the moment. The past couple of months and years, I was focusing more on technique and realism, letting the style evolve by itself.

Who/What are your biggest artistic influences?

Spirituality is definitely one of the influences I noticed, in regards to the content of my pieces. There are many artists who inspire me. Mostly the people I paint with regularly.

Can you describe your typical creative process from concept to completion?

I don't think I have a process set in stone. It’s always different, especially when my hands are tied with commercial work. With my own stuff I cook ideas for longer periods to make sure it’s the right one and the desire is burning, and is not just a quick flame. I often work on a design for weeks/months.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

Definitely painting.

One piece of advice that's really helped you in your career, that you can pass on.

Care way less about what you actually paint, and be less critical with yourself, and clicheée or not enjoy the process. The chase is better than the catch.