An Interview with Buzz Studios

The Print Bar blackboard has showcased many amazing artists over the years. Not only the heart of Print Bar HQ, the blackboard is also a platform for the abundance of talent that walks through our door. One artist whose mural we can’t bring ourselves to dust off is local designer, illustrator and mural artist Adam Busby, aka Buzz Studios. We recently caught up with him to discuss his process and the themes portrayed in his work.

Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Adam Busby, born and bred American, now based in Brisbane where I have lived with my wife for the past 6 years. My background and study began in fine art, traditional oil/acrylic painting and drawing, which I really enjoy and still practice. At the time an influential and forward thinking teacher introduced me to graphic design which I had no idea about, from which I applied to the program and studied for the next 2 years. Those initial years away from the computer getting hands on with learning about paint, space and form was critical in developing the style and process that I use today.

How has your practice changed over time?

My practice has become much more regimented and clinical over the years. Most creatives try to be loose, flexible and avoid routine as a way to stay creative, but I find the exact opposite to be true. The stricter and more consistent schedule I have, the more creative I become and the more work I produce. I have learned and continue to learn that there are a certain number of terrible works you have to get through to get to something great, so it is really a numbers game, the more your produce, the better you get, and the work reflects.

Do you approach a canvas differently to a wall?

Definitely. A canvas is very much in isolation and is transient, you never really know the end resting place and surrounding. Walls on the other hand are very difficult to move, which means the art, the shape and the colours all have to interact with the surroundings, lighting and people in a more permanent capacity. I personally love this creative constraint and have used odd shaped or textured walls to help guide the direction of the artwork that goes on it.

What themes do you pursue in your work?

I try to explore all different themes, but some recurring ones at the moment are: plants, lines, textures, faces, and food. Also my colour palette usually creates more of a theme than the subject matter I am designing.

Describe a real-life situation that has inspired your art?

Ooh that’s a deep one. You could go one of two ways, sometimes the emotions and surrounding mood such as frustration or energy could influence my art, and on the opposite spectrum a texture of a leaf, the movement of a bird, or the architecture of a building might inspire a layout, design or illustration.

What do you like/dislike about your work?

I personally love the process. I nerd out hardcore over things like grids, prepping work and thinking about how things will translate. I wouldn’t say I dislike it… but getting people to value your work has been a challenge in the past in my career. Once you jump the hurdle of lining up the clients perceived value and your time, ideas and labor as an artist, you are smooth sailing and it is much easier to move projects along without convincing people of the value of what you do.

What is your dream project?

I’ve got my sights set on a few 5+ storey building to push the limits of how large I can go with my mural work. Also on the bucket list is to design/illustrate a beer and or wine label.

Which local artists have impressed you?

I am a huge fan of the work Frank and Mimi are doing in the sign writing and conservation awareness space. Georgia Hill has a hugely impacting textural style that is fantastic.

So what’s next for Buzz Studios?

Bigger murals, nationwide and overseas. My focus is also about being very intentional about who I work with, what my work communicates and who it impacts. I just want to create more passionate work with passionate people!

Check out more by Buzz Studios:

www.buzz-studios.com

Instagram @buzzstudios

Twitter @adamsbusby

Facebook /buzzstudios