Lunartik! Interview with Artist Matt JOnes

Vinyl Designer Matt JOnes is a man on a mission. His aim? Well, it could be to continue growing even taller than his current 6' 7" - but while that's continuing, he has some big and bright and ambitions for the world of urban vinyl. He also likes a good cup of tea.

I tracked him down by the scent of tea bags and Posca Pens - and by the light of his glowing digital design projects.

D: How did you become an art toy designer?

M: It was the year 2004; I was high on the hard stuff at the time - tea with milk and two sugars – when I randomly met the two people who would influence my future career: Top Illustrator Phil Corbett and Conceptual Product Designer Graham Powell. They inspired me to release my alter ego Lunartik; a long labour of love which would allow me to merge the worlds of Art and Design together in perfect harmony.

In the same year and within the boundaries of a competition called ‘Design-a-Qee’ set by acclaimed toy manufacturers TOY2R, I designed the conceptual piece QT, an inherently English design with a cup of tea and a squirrel.



The also designed the packaging for the designer series of these figures. I kept it simple - like an oyster; a simplistic outside shell and within lay the vibrant colours of the pearl, the toys.



Five years on and numerous projects later which involved toys, pens, products, art, stickers, and all the rest, my obsession for tea is still apparent.

D: What inspires you to come up with your characters?

M: Drugs (well… tea really), Mugs and Plugs. I like simplistic, iconic design. Non political, cute, happy and essentially English.

D: Who is Lunartik?

M: Lunartik is Matt JOnes, a UK Artist and Designer based in the heart of England.
Scribbling, Vector Art and Posca pens are a daily fixture in his busy life. As a self confessed work-a-holic and perfectionist he sometimes finds it hard to fully relax, with his poor over worked brain ticking 24/7. Lunartik. Cannot. Be. Stopped.

D: You're in production of a new toy - how's he doing?

M: I’ve just put the kettle on, and in April this year we’ll all have a lovely cup of tea; brewed to perfection and with a range of fresh flavours to enjoy.



D: Just how good is a really good cup of tea?

M: Having a nice cuppa allows the brain to take-a-break from everyday stresses. I like to have at least ten cups a day! Did I mention that I like mine with milk and two sugars? ☺

D: So - what's next?

M: Looking forward to the rest of 2009 with lots of hot stuff on the way. More art, prints and a wicked line up for new conceptual figures for 2009/10.

As they say, there’s art at the heart of Lunartik.

You can find out more about Lunartik JOnes by visiting his website www.Lunartik.com