TYPO Talks » Blog Archiv » Four (or so) Questions to … James Jarvis

Four (or so) Questions to … James Jarvis

Born in London in 1970 and raised on a diet of Richard Scarry, Hergé, Judge Dredd and Albert Camus, James Jarvis studied Illustration at the University of Brighton and the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1995. Since then he has gone on to establish himself as a graphic artist of international repute.

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

His iconic toy figure 'Martin', unwittingly helped to start the 'designer' toy phenomenon in 1998. Born in London in 1970 and raised on a diet of Richard Scarry, Hergé, Judge Dredd and Albert Camus, Jarvis studied Illustration at the University of Brighton and the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1995. Since then he worked hard on establishing himself as a graphic artist of international repute. Together with Russell Waterman, Jarvis established his toy company Amos in 2002 and has Amos has since released nearly 100 character toys including the unique King Ken and the mysterious and existential YOD. In 2006 Amos published Jarvis and Waterman's comic-book adventure story Vortigern's Machine and the Great Sage of Wisdom, in 2007 a collection, James Jarvis Selected Drawings. In 2012 Amos celebrated 10 years in business by releasing a final toy, the Generic Character, along with a book and exhibition in Japan. Besides Jarvis directed an animated short movie, Onwards, in collaboration with Richard Kenworthy. In 2011 Jarvis published a graphic novel, De Profundis. Jarvis is currently drawing a daily cartoon strip, Spheric Dialogues. He lives and works in London with his partner and two children. Although they are not cuddly in a classic sense, Jarvis‘ figures got to heart. At TYPO London he will demonstrate, how he assembles his touching portfolio.

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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?