Ben Rider is a commercial illustrator, printmaker and teacher, describing himself as 'a fluorescent ink obsessed print mercenary' who loves the potential for experimentation which comes with the printmaking process. His work was something which caught my eye especially due to the punky and colourful nature of his prints which have no regards for any rules, a style the total opposite to that of Anthony Burrill, therefore Rider was contacted also to see how his views on design differ.
I understand you studied at London College of Communication. How would you describe yourself as creative whilst you were studying? Rider, not long ago being a student himself, described himself as a design student whilst studying, not yet figuring out his path into illustration. He began developing his practice as a graphic artist through letterpressing business cards, something which would later go on to inform his creative practice.
How did you first get into printmaking? What drew you to this process over more digital methods of producing design? This proved to be an easy question for Rider, stating the simple pleasure that comes with producing something with your hands is mostly what drew him to the printing process. For Rider, digital media just does not excite him like handmade design does, comparing this as a ready made meal for him compared to having a bbq. He feels much more comfortable being able to think creatively when he can physically handle the tools.
Who and what were your main influences which have brought you to where you are now in terms of your practice? The list of influences were broad, describing most as 'beautiful decay' like the riverside when the tide is out, abandoned buildings with plants growing out of brickwork, faded cracked paint, hand painted signs and misprinted packaging (mainly those with bright colours like fireworks). Recently Rider describes also getting into 'super fake things' like fake bootleg toys and really cheap mass produced religious ephemera.
Your style of work can be considered very punky and experimental, some may call it subjective. How do you feel this method contributes to the realm of Graphic Design today? What advantages do you feel this has over a more objective and uniformed approach? Now there was some confusion over this question, original research findings miscommunicating Rider as being a graphic designer since his work is already very graphic in nature as a result of his university education, studying Graphic Communication Design at London College of Communication. This was meant to gain an insight on his views of the famous debate between Crouwel and Van Toorn, but Rider describes himself more as an illustrator. However, in attempting to answer the question at hand, Rider argues about working ethically and with a conscience whether this is a self-initiated brief or working for a client.
In particular, I find the use of colour in your work very interesting. The layering of colours and images works to produce unique designs. What process do you go through to make these sorts of decisions? In answering this question, Rider explains how sometimes you can plan something, but when its printed it can look totally different, therefore he lets the process itself have some sort of control over the outcome rather than planning too much. His process therefore is mainly based on his willingness to take risks and not being afraid to fail or make mistakes. Testing and practising are key, whilst also making sure to have fun at the same time.
I also understand that research is something of value in terms of your practice. How much research do you engage with before starting design work on a project? Is there any sort of process you go through in terms of this development? "Loads". A normal process for Rider starts by using the Kipling method before anything else, then furthering research using mostly interviews and online research. Based on this then a large body of ideas are generated.
Any advice you would give to someone like myself about getting into the design / printmaking industry? "NEVER GIVE UP. FOLLOW WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY FUCKING LOVE. Don't give up and spend money on good materials and good food". Quite frankly.
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