Overview

Imagination abounds in images created by Australian illustrator Bill Hope. Fantastical, complex scenes jump off the page or screen, with an array of characters coming together to tell a bigger story on Bill’s colourful canvas.

Bill is a drawing fanatic, and his influences include great illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Gerald Scarfe and James Jean. Like them, he infuses many of his pictures with mythology, mysticism, legend and amazing characters. He also loves the old masters, like Rembrandt, Bruegel and Bosch, and enjoys working in different styles.

He studied at Sydney’s College of Fine Art and at Australia’s National Art School, as well as the Julian Ashton School. However, he attributes his skills and style to practicing sketching as much as possible.

Approach

For most of his commercial work, Bill draws and paints digitally, and is a fast worker. For his personal projects, he uses traditional media and combines elements in Photoshop, allowing pieces to evolve more gradually.

Style

Bill’s personal style shines through in his commercial work, but he’s always interested in trying new things for clients. Detailed, intricate line work fills much of the space, as he strives for interest and activity in his images. Classical references meet with contemporary subject matter.

Client List

• Some of Bill’s clients include The Red Cross, The Commonwealth Bank, The Australian Government NBN scheme, DDB, M&C Saatchi, McDonald's, Wacom and Diageo.