Our January cover artist Craig Whitemore shares more about his journey into professional graphic design and illustration.
Tell us a bit about yourself...
Ay up me duck, I’m Craig – a Nottingham born and bred graphic designer and illustrator. I graduated as a mature student from Nottingham College having studied graphic design in 2024, but I have spent my entire life being creative in one way or another, from drawing comic strips as a child in the 80s, and playing guitar in a band in the late 90s to being a designer and illustrator today.
What is the story behind the cover?
Having done some internal illustrations for LeftLion over the past twelve months I was honoured to be asked to be a cover artist for January’s issue. For this illustration I wanted to capture the feeling of new beginnings, the sun rising on a new year, and people venturing outdoors.
What inspires you as an artist?
Over the years there have been many designers, illustrators and artists that have, and still do, inspire me on a daily basis. The likes of David Carson – who revolutionised graphic design in the 1990s with his unconventional and experimental style in publications like Ray Gun – through to illustrators like Quentin Blake. Like Carson I enjoy using textures throughout my work and mixing photographic elements with hand drawn illustrations.
Tell us about some things you’ve worked on in the past...
I have worked on various projects over the years, such as company branding projects for local businesses like Hello You studio – a local hair salon – custom illustrated websites, album artwork for multi-national TV and film music production company BlipTrax, independent album artwork for local musicians and, of course, illustrations for the one and only LeftLion.
Do you have any tricks for getting started and staying inspired as a creative?
The creative industries are highly competitive and, I won't lie, it's hard work, but keep on pushing, find yourself, find your place in the market, and keep on taking those steps.
If you could sit down and chat with any artist in your field, who would it be and what would you talk about?
There is a bit of a rebel hidden within me, and I am passionate about using my creativity to stand up for and speak out for those who don’t have a voice, so for me it would be Banksy. I would like to know what continues to drive his creativity and why he uses his art as a voice for the oppressed.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the LeftLion readers?
Well I need to get some cheeky self-promotion in here somewhere – my diary is open for 2026, so if you’re a local business looking for some re-branding or looking to commission some illustrations then please get in touch with me through my Instagram. I’m always happy to discuss how I can help you.
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