Behind the rip in weekender artwork: Jamie browne
We had a chat to our good old mate Jamie Browne, a local Sydney based artist who was the magic mind behind the (pretty sick) RIP IN Weekender artwork this year. We heard all about his inspiration, advice for up-and-coming artists and all things fun and groovy.
Can you talk us through your creative process?
Blank page, pencil in hand, music on and just start doodling tiny sketches in a fun and non committal way and seeing what falls out of my head. Then it’s a process of choosing what works, tweaking and refining over a number of iterations until it looks good to me.
Where do you usually get your best ideas—from music, movies, or just random thoughts?
I think it’s a combination of all those things plus banter with friends, overheard phrases, jargon etc and the best ideas are just stumbled across by chance at the perfect intersection of them. It’s a “planets align” type of thing. I might have the start of an idea in my head for a long time but it’s missing that one thing that would tip it over the edge then I’ll hear or see something by accident that unlocks it.
How would you describe your art style in one sentence?
How about... Post street Good vibe Beach doom? haha
Do you have any artistic influences?
Some of my biggest influences would be the rad surf, skate and punk rock art of the 80’s as well as surrealism from guys like MC Escher. I love that sort of “double take” type stuff - hidden skulls and illustrated wordplay. Tattoo art.
Do you have any quirky habits or rituals that help you get in the creative zone?
Not super quirky, but one habit to help the creativity flowing is to get out or get away. Away from home, my desk or even stop creating work for a while and do something completely different. Going for a skate or trekking out to a gig always clears my head and opens me up to new experiences or bumping into old friends and good times.
If the RIP IN Weekender artwork had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
Hazy, surf and sun drenched vibes perfectly paired with cold beer and good friends.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an artist?
Keep doing what looks good to you and make time to work on your craft. As an artist it can be hard to put yourself forward. Friends and family can be great advocates to help you get past blocks even on your behalf and open you up to opportunities you may otherwise shy away from. Your confidence will grow. Engage with and work on projects that overlap with your interests ie music - posters, band merch, Skate shops need art for their shop decks etc. Who you know- Everyone knows someone who knows someone and so on.
What are you most hyped for at the RIP IN Weekender?
Definitely the skate ramp! looking forward to seeing my friends rip that thing apart to a backdrop of amazing tunes.
Might even hop up there for a skate myself!