In 1998 Jarvis designed the iconic toy figure ‘Martin’, unwittingly helping start the ‘designer’ toy phenomenon.
In 2003 Jarvis, together with Russell Waterman and Sofia Prantera, established a company, Amos, to independently promote Jarvis’ designs. To date Amos has released nearly 100 character toys. In 2006 Amos published the comic-book adventure story Vortigern’s Machine. In 2007 Amos published a collection, James Jarvis Selected Drawings.
1. Which work are you particularly proud of? Which work best represents your style or approach?
This year I have been drawing a daily philosophical cartoon strip, Spheric Dialogues, which represents my current interests in simplicity and directness of drawing and design.
2. The theme of this year’s TYPO London is »Social«. Do you consider design to be a social discipline? Which design project do you consider to be particularly socially relevant?
I’m not sure that my particular branch of graphic art is particularly social. My work has always been quite self-contained.
James Jarvis
3. A conference like TYPO London is in itself an obvious example for a social event: what are you especially looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to getting out of the house.
4. Required reading/watching: What are currently your favorite interesting/beautiful publications, exhibitions, books, movies and/or websites?