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Sketchpad Artist: Hammo

Sketchpad Artist: Hammo

Hammo is one of the twenty Outhouse artists who have produced a limited edition sketchpad cover for us. If you live in Manchester you will have no doubt seen Hammo's distinctive work in local businesses and out on the streets. He has produced a cover for our A3 70gsm Marker Pad. We interviewed Hammo so he could tell us about the cover and his work.

Tell us a bit about the idea behind your sketchbook cover?

I do a lot of drawing with my daughter, so this is her using her felt tips, surrounded by a selection of her favourite things to draw.

How did you get involved with Outhouse?

I’ve known Tasha and Ben since Sketch City days, and have painted alongside them fair bit in the past. They said I could pretty much paint whatever I wanted onto a wall in the Northern Quarter, so I jumped at the chance!

How would you describe your work?

Bold, usually fun, occasionally stupid.

What inspires you?

My daughter. Seeing how she looks at the world, watching as she discovers new things, and hearing her reasoning is fascinating, and often hilarious!

Who is your favourite artist or maker?

I’ve been looking at a lot of children’s books lately, and have rediscovered Richard Scarry. I loved his illustrations as a kid. Ace character design and a nice feeling of controlled chaos to the worlds he creates.

What materials do you use?

I always start with pencil and paper (any old pencil will do, but I’ve just treated myself to a Rotring600 Newton mechanical pencil, to replace one I lost a few years ago - it’s dead nice!) then I generally draw things up and colour them in Photoshop or Illustrator. For interior murals, I usually use household emulsion and some battered old brushes I got from Fred’s years ago (I’ve tried using newer ones but they don’t quite feel the same). For outdoor murals I use spraypaint.

What is your favourite piece of work that you have made?

My favourite mural is the one I painted last year at Wellington Mill. It’s of my daughter (again!) chasing after some birds. I’m really proud of the work I’ve been doing with Hemisphere for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. That’s all still in the early stages, so there’s not much I can show yet.

What exhibition or art event have you been to recently that you think is worth shouting about and why?

I went to HOME to have my mind bent by AL and Al’s Incidents Of Travel In The Multiverse; an exhibition of film, drawing and installation, exploring time travel, artificial intelligence, greek mythology and the origins of life. I only scratched the surface so definitely need to go back and spend more time there before it closes

Do you have any advice for artists starting out?

See if you can get involved with creative projects and meet ups (like Outhouse, Draw North West) in your area. Sketch City (RIP) was really useful (and fun) for meeting up with like minded artists and establishing networks.

What tip would you give to people about one of our products?

Fred’s cutting mats are great for general crafty business. I was using a grotty 12 year old one which was falling apart. My new one is super smooth! Also, these new A3 Marker pads look pretty rad.

Where can people see your work? 

Website: TheHammo.com Instagram: thehammo Twitter: yohammohammo

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