If there’s one thing we pride ourselves in at bazaar, it’s our ability to find a work of art to display as our cover. This month, we’re extremely proud to have an awesome visual of the Pharaoh of all pharaohs, Mohamed “Mo” Salah gracing our cover.
Injured shoulder or not, we all look up to Mo Salah. His talent has gained so much support, reminding football fans around the world why we love this sport so much. Sharing the football-enthused sentiment with us is the artist behind our cover, Lloyd Wood of @ Lloydart. He sits down with us to delve into the details of why Mo Salah inspires him as an artist, and what led him towards the creating his exciting World Cup Player series and the image that would eventually become our June 2018 issue’s cover.
Hi Lloyd, please introduce yourself to our readers (a little snapshot about yourself, age, where you are based, etc)
I am a 17-year-old student from North London who has a massive passion for digital art and graphic design.
When did you start creating digital art?
I first got into digital art at the age of 14 or 15. I discovered artists on Instagram and I thought it was something that I could try too. At the time, it started off as a hobby but has since turned into what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Courtesy of Lloydart
Is art something that you have been interested in since childhood?
Being creative has always been one of the first words that I would use to describe myself. From a young age I have enjoyed hands on creative activities: building with Lego, drawing cartoons, dance, music, painting, sculpture, doodling etc. the list goes on. Also, film and animation are both things I have enjoyed trying. It was only a matter of time before I found an art medium that really stood out for me.
Why did you decide to focus on sports when it came to your art?
I was born and raised a Liverpool FC fan (which I wouldn’t want any other way!). The love and enjoyment I get from watching my club provides me with tons of inspiration to create new work. It is not just sport athletes I draw, I also draw musical artists too. For me, it is all about using my interests to inspire my work and I hope to further broaden my horizons in terms of the content I produce.
Courtesy of Lloydart
Tell us more about the World Cup Player Series, how did the idea come about?
The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. I saw it as a good opportunity to challenge myself by trying out a new style and a way to put out new work every day. I have drawn a key player from each of the participating nations, using that nation’s flag’s colors in the image. Beginning 33 days before the start of the tournament as a countdown leading towards the World Cup, I am posting one image each day. On the day the tournament begins, I will post the final piece which will be made up of all the player faces from the series. It will be available to buy as a poster.
Do you have a favorite player from your World Cup Player series? If so, who is it, and why is he your favorite?
I have a handful of favorite players from the series; the Liverpool boys of course: Salah, Firmino and Mane! However, in terms of the quality of the drawings, Suarez, Ronaldo and Messi stand out most to me.
Courtesy of Lloydart
You also sell your cool art online in various formats, from t-shirts to personal and home accessories. How has that experience been for you so far?
It is a truly exciting experience for me. I have been selling my work for nearly one-and-a-half years now. I still have the same feeling of joy and self-pride now as I did when I sold my first! The idea that someone around the world enjoys my work enough to spend money on it is a feeling that you can’t describe.
Are you rooting for a specific team in the upcoming World Cup?
Of course! I am backing England in the World Cup. Having said that, I wouldn’t mind seeing Belgium win for the first time, or Messi! With Salah in the side, I do feel Egypt could be one to watch in the competition too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYkzKRQhzGR
What’s next for Lloyd?
I am very excited about what my future may bring. Next year I will be finishing college and then I hope to go on to study a graphics course at university. I hope to develop a range of new skills and styles which will one day inspire other people to do the same – just like I was.
Follow Lloyd on Instagram @Lloydart. To buy his World Cup Player prints and to see more of his work, visit www.redbubble.com/people/LloydsArt/shop.
