Water-n-Oxygen

This week The Hundreds brings us Mark Ward in their Chronicles series...

Words: Maurice Pendarvis

Photos: Mark Ward

What got you into doing art?

I grew up drawing all the time. It’s what I found I got recognition for as a kid. I was copying cereal boxes, and coming up with my own characters. I was the typical arty kid – felt tip pens everywhere, making stuff from old boxes, fascinated by Disney etc. At first school I used to get gold stars for my drawings, but had red pen all over the actual written work. I was far more interested in the visuals than writing stories. That has just stuck with me through life, and I’ve ended up pretty much doing the same thing.

Were you self-trained or did you go to college?

I went to Central St Martins in London. I specialized in advertising, as I liked the challenge of creating solid concepts. It gave me a good grounding and forced me not to rely just on the aesthetic side of things. It was pretty hardcore, with a lot of frustration at times. Alongside advertising I kept myself busy with my own work. I’d say my aesthetic is all self taught. A lot of trial and error…

Check out the rest of the interview Here.