Artist
 Profile | Kiel Tillman

By Stephanie Manning.

Artist, illustrator and graphic designer are just a few talents this local mover and shaker, Kiel Tillman, has up his sleeve. His work consists of both hand drawn and digital mediums with a love for laser etching and laser cutting his designs onto timber. It needs to be seen to be believed. Actively involved in the art scene, Tillman has continued to create and exhibit his artwork around the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in both group and solo exhibitions. This week, we sat down and had a chat with the man himself about all things art, local creatives and his perfect day on the Goldy.

What influences and inspires your work?

My main influences come from the music I listen to, nature, my peers and other creatives throughout all forms of design and art. Also there’s nothing like a pressing deadline to get the creative juices flowing.

How would you describe your style of art?

Most of my work is drawn digitally using a tablet. My style is a mix of bold lines, textures and patterns. The imagery I draw is usually people, animals, flowers, skulls, mandalas, typography and random elements to tie it all together. Depending on what the piece has been designed for, it can then be used digitally, printed onto a shirt, laser etched into timber or I can hand paint it as a large mural or onto a canvas. I try and keep my work quite versatile so it can be transformed across all mediums.

Do you remember your first artwork, if so tell us about it?

My Pop gave me a piece of plywood to paint on when I was around 4 years old. I painted a red and black cat onto it. My Pop loved it. I didn’t know, but he actually kept it all this time and he gave it back to me a few years ago, not long before passed away. He was a big supporter of my creativity.

Are there any local artists you have your eye on?

There’s so many crazy talented people leading the way on the Gold Coast and putting us on the creative map. There’s also a bunch of young guns out there, like Luke Day (@lukehday), Alex Saba (@lusidart), Mitch Fleming (@mfcreative), Sarah Huston (@thesarahhuston) and Ryan Bowles (@ryanbowles), who are killing it at the moment. With the caliber of the next generation, the Gold Coast will be a force to be reckoned with.

Top 3 things you love to do in your city?

Head to Currumbin Beach/creek with the family.

Head out to the valley/hinterland and soak up the nature.

Coffee. Usually at Iron and Resin in Currumbin or Feather and Docks in Palm Beach.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Creative, funny, family man… crap. That’s four words.