Callum Russ

Hi there!

I'm Callum Russ, a U.K-based graphic designer, illustrator, graphic novellist and print-maker with and emphasis on both physical and digital illustration.

As well as experience in digital design and illustration, I also have experience in poster design, printing, T-Shirt design and Album cover design.

I have aspirations to work in the creative industry as a graphic designer, and commercial illustrator. As well as achieve my the goal of becoming a published graphic novellist!

I have self-published my own works and had various projects exhibited in galleries and at comic conventions, such as at the ‘Thought Bubble International Comic Arts Festival’ in Harrogate & as part of the ‘I Shout for The Fall’ exhibition through Design Manchester.

I have a well rounded understanding with Adobe software, Wacom hardware and Apple hardware.

I have a very wide range of styles I'm able to achieve and my influences include Jamie Hewlett, Becky cloonan, Boneface, Sean Phillips and Charlie Mackesy.

Freelance Graphic designer & Illustrator:

I have 4 years of experience as an independent graphic designer & illustrator since graduating from university. In that time, I have developed a strong breadth of skills and traits:

•Managing multiple projects for a variety of clients.

Developing and designing a variety of concepts and pitching them to clients until suitable arrangement is agreed to.

•Developing my own personal persona that represents my personality and style on the market.

•Utilising various social media platforms, as well as my own website, to network with people around the world and maintain my own personal brand. (Instagram, Twitter, MyPortfolio, Webtoon, Discord)

Strong experience in self-publishing and print making.

Adapting my work to a variety of styles and different contexts (Poster design portraits, caricature, graphic & visual storytelling)

Working with a variety of tools and mediums (both physical and digital).

Freelance Comic Artist & Storyteller:

I have 3 years of experience as a freelance illustrator for comic books and graphic novels and in that time, I have developed further professional traits:

•Working closely and openly with a professional editor in order to further develop the work to a professional standard

Receiving, giving and acting upon critical feedback.

Developing my own personal voice in order to appeal the most appropriate target audience.

• Conducting market and competitor research in order to gain a grasp on fresh and popular trends within the comics industry.
• Networking with peers and other professionals within the industry at comic conventions and through social media.

Resident Artist at the Atlantic Centre for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, Florida:

From January to March 2023, I spent 2 months as an in-resident artist at the Atlantic centre for the Arts, a non-profit multidisciplinary artist residency facility, curating, creating and developing a variety of personal illustration & design projects through their Artist Residencies, focussing on comics & graphic novels.

•Worked directly under master artists Dean Haspiel, a New York based cartoonist, illustrator, playwright and designer (Billy dogma, The Fox, American Splendour), and Ken Niimura, a Tokyo based illustrator, writer and designer (I Kill Giants, Immortal Sergeant, Henshin).

•Working within a professional art-based studio, working to deadlines, and producing industry-standard comics and illustration work.

MA Hons: Master of Arts in Comics & Graphic Novels from Teesside University. BA Hons: 2nd Class Bachelor Honours Degree in Graphic Communication & Design; Level 2 from the University of Leeds.

A Levels: Graphic Design (A), History (B), Sociology (B) from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

10 GCSE's: I A, 5 B's, 4 C's from St. John's Catholic Academy.