Typographers with Dimension: Kyle Wilkinson
Kyle Wilkinson is a UK based experimental typographer/ photographer specializing in blowing minds and objects to shreds. His calculated, graphic style bends light and space, making simple compositions dynamic and powerful. Kyle's work blows me away with his progressive applications, precision and technical skill, not simply with ballistics.
NAME
Kyle Wilkinson
WEBSITE
BACKGROUND
I started out as a photographer at college, as that's what I wanted to be and didn't know design existed really. After a bad case of appendicitis and missing a large chunk of college, I missed the top grade by a few marks due to a missed exam. Rather than re-sit, my tutor encouraged me to enroll on the design course as they'd seen something in me that made them feel that would be a good choice. Once enrolling, I never looked back, but the photographer in me has always stayed, and I apply it to my work when I can.
EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD
2014
DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNATED WORKSPACE, IF ONE EXISTS.
We're based in an old victorian building with plenty of character; we really got lucky when it became available as we have the design studio upstairs and photography studio below. This gives us the freedom to build sets and projects over a period of time whilst still working on other projects in the separate studio upstairs - I love it!
MEDIUM(S) USED?
Photography
PREFERRED MATERIALS AND WHY? DOES THE MESSAGE DICTATE THE MATERIALS, OR VICE VERSA?
The message or tone required usually dictates the chosen material and direction, but I like to gravitate to something that keeps the viewer guessing to how it was actually made, such as macro shots of vinegar infused with oil.
DO YOU USE SPECIAL TOOLS TO BUILD LETTERFORMS? DO THESE VARY AND WHY?
It varies on every shoot, because a lot of the time my work is quite experimental. I like to use materials that are fairly unknown - such as the submerged Hydrophobic Sand i used for one of my WIRED pieces, so the tools can vary just as much. Always go back to trusty scalpels, rulers and double sided tape though!
LIST 3 ADJECTIVES DESCRIBING YOUR WORK.
Shit.
Hate It.
Make something better.
I pretty much hate everything I've ever done, both the biggest source of frustration, yet biggest driving force in my career.
CONCEPT VS. EXECUTION
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU COMBAT DURING THE IDEATION/BUILDING PROCESS? HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THESE OBSTACLES?
I think when you're trying to make anything out of anything, it always requires some trust in your talent and ability to push through that early stage where it looks a little rough and not really going your way in terms of execution. Some other challenges arise too, such as when we set the studio door on fire when shooting a flame piece.
SOLO VS. SOCIAL? HOW DO YOU OPERATE NOT AND DO YOU PLAN TO CHANGE DIRECTION IN THE FUTURE?
I work regularly both on my own and in a team, and both have their advantages. When working within a team allows for ideas to be bounced off each other and develop new directions as a result which is always quite interesting and exciting!
