We kick off our new UE artist interviews with Martin O’Neill. He’s a good friend of mine and we go way back to days of teaching graphics together at the LCP (now London College of Communication) and we are very proud to have him as part of the Unlimited Editions collective!

Martin is a graphic artist and illustrator based in Hastings. He creates unique handmade collages for a diverse range of International clients encompassing advertising, design, editorial and book publishing, as well as regular contributions to the UK and US press.

His work evolves from a subtle alchemy of collage, silkscreen, photography, paint, and digital techniques. Fifteen years of experimental image making has resulted in his unique and instantly recognisable brand of illustration. Martin works from a vast archive of found and self generated material and also works with stock and supplied imagery.

UE: Who are your heroes/biggest inspirations?

Martin: My 3 year old and 3 month old daughters are plenty of inspiration right now!

UE: Recommendations to visit on a day trip to Hastings?

Martin: All 4 Crazy Golf’s in one session.

UE: What are you currently working on?

Martin: Collages for a Sony Playstation game.

UE: Any unfulfilled ambitions?

Martin: DJ in New York. Play the Drums. Grow better chilli’s.

UE: Favourite source of collage material?

Martin: European flea markets are the best in the World.

UE: How long does it take to create one of your pieces? (average time)

Martin: Between a minute and a week.

UE: What would be your dream commission?

Martin: To be sponsored to travel the world in a big collage wagon freely documenting my experiences.

UE: Oddest job so far?

Martin: “Illustrate a man with 2 dicks with a woman with 4 tits”. (The Erotic Review 1999)

See Martin’s full range of prints available through Unlimited Editions here