Vic Lee, Artist
Vic is an artist, illustrator, mapmaker and storyteller, based in his studio in Peckham, South East London. After a successful career in graphic design spanning 17 years, Vic began illustrating again and going from digital to using his digits, picking up pens again after many years sitting in front of a Mac. Vic's art is a combination of typography, illustration and elaboration. His work has been likened to old packaging, tattooing, circus graphics and Victoriana, but with a twist. A modern interpretation of a romantic style. His mural work is exquisite and so elaborate, it is hard to imagine one person being able to fill an entire wall with nothing but a set of pens and lots of imagination. Going from the constraints of graphic design to overusing many typefaces goes completely against everything taught in design. But that’s what makes his work so unique. Vic has worked on commissions for some of the Worlds' biggest brands, from advertising to packaging, artist collaborations to unique murals. His client list is a who's who of companies, brands and agencies. From Nike, Mercedes, JLR, Virgin Atlantic to M&S, Sainsbury’s, Adecco, Accenture, Twinings and The Royal Shakespeare Company. As well as having a dedicated range in the Tate.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I only use Instagram and LinkedIn. Over time, I find I really enjoy LinkedIn. The interactions are more detailed and conversational. Also, the people are professional, and you can see that in the responses. For me, it is important, to be honest and conversational on platforms, and LinkedIn definitely offers that. Instagram began as a great platform, very genuine and engaging, but it feels more like just one big advertising space now. And the Big Controller limits what is seen and shared. It has become a corporate beast!
Vic Lee
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
So I consider myself to be an artist now. It took a long time to tell myself that, to be honest. I think I felt like I was an illustrator for many years, But I realised that I had hand-painted so many commissioned murals all over the World that I needed to rethink who I was! I am one of those older links, someone who changed their career later in life.
I was 43 when I realised I didn't want to be a graphic designer when I was 50. But I had no idea what else to do. So I took some time off and started illustrating. Dusting off my pens and paper and letting my imagination play.
That’s how it all began. It’s crazy to think in 10 odd years the places I have been and things I have done, and people I have met. Interests? The World is full of interesting things, and I couldn’t actually pinpoint a specific set.
I remember when I used to apply for jobs back in the day, and one of the questions would always be, 'What are your interests outside work?' The usual, reading, cinema, meeting friends. Do they still ask that? Maybe mine should be - Dancing in the studio. Coffee, lots. Sweet stuff and ink. Dreaming, procrastinating, lying in the hammock in the garden and reading.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
It’s not a job! I think it was Confuscious who said, 'Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.' It took me a while to find that 'job.' But now I am in it; it makes me smile genuinely every day. To be asked to paint or illustrate for big corporations or brands is a privilege. I truly feel honoured to be asked.
When I do a mural, I tell my clients, the sketch you see will be nothing like the finished piece. Please trust me. And they do. That’s incredible, especially for some of the clients I work with. To be able to have that much freedom is inspiring.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
This will be something a bit leftfield. Years ago, I bought my first flat in London. It was run down, needed so much work, and I had no money. So I did all the work myself. One of the jobs was putting in a new ceiling, which I did. Joists, plasterboard and plastered myself. I was working at an agency at the time, and I just couldn’t get the plaster smooth like the pros. I told my friend Alex, and he said, 'Put a downlighter on the ceiling; that way no one will see it’s not smooth.' Great advice. And to this day. Don't get lost in the details.
Vic Lee
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Myself. I have to be the driving force in everything I do. I was brought up by my Dad as my Mum died of cancer when I was three. Bullied as a kid in school, I was the one with broken glasses and ginger hair. And I was incredibly shy. But I have a great and dark sense of humour. And I loved to draw. That was my go-to. My calm place. I don't have a crowd of people pushing me on or a big family to help out.
So for me, it's constantly about discovering who I am day to day. Seeing what I am capable of. The artwork I do is self-taught. I think it comes from the heart, which makes it so special doing what I do. I get many knockbacks, so many it’s unreal. I will, on average, do 8 - 10 jobs a year; on a regular year, I would quote on around 120 - 150 projects. So I have to be resilient and hard-skinned, but it still hurts when I get ignored by companies who contact me. I just breathe and move on.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
So many things. Firstly taking the decision to become an artist and illustrator at the age of 43! No mean feat. The murals I do, I look at them now and think, how the hell have I done those. It’s nuts to look at something that is in a company HQ and think that’s my work, that will be seen for years to come. I guess the most pride has to come from doing the Corona Diary 2020. It came out of nothing during the pandemic of 2020. All my work stopped abruptly.
I had nothing to do. No work and no money coming in. So I started, just as a personal project, doing an illustrated diary of the news stories, my life and World events during this time. The book covered January to June 2020. I self-published and funded the entire book and sat back. The 2,500 books sold out globally in 8 weeks, mainly due to the incredible response from LinkedIn.
Amazing! I donated £5k to the food charity Fareshare in a way to give back. The book went on to win Black, Grand Crus, Gold and Silvers at various Awards and is now used in some school curriculums. I have since launched a second book which covers the second half of the year, June 2020 to January 2021 and is now available only as an artists edition from myself.
Vic Lee
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
As someone who works alone, it has to be mainly through LinkedIn. I rely on social media to share what I do and get responses. LinkedIn has become a place where, even though I have never met many people there, and I am in regular contact with them.
Doing murals, I meet many contractors, visitors and staff whilst I paint, and some of those have become clients. For me being nice to everyone is a given.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Being who I am is important. Social and kind. And being interested in what people say. The art of communication is so imperative in every aspect of life. And being nice. Never underestimate the power of kindness. I am also a great listener.
Doing what I do, I need to problem solve quickly and come up with ideas that maybe others don’t. As a graphic designer, I would look at every aspect of the job, the client, the need, the customer, the involvement and the end result of how people interact, associate and digest information. I do this in work I do now.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Nothing! The whole journey has been a magical mystery tour. Every day is different, literally, every day. I don't do the same thing twice. I wouldn't want to know anything before it happens; that’s just no fun!
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
My whole life has been one long learning process. Leaving school at 16, working in jobs as a postman, a sales assistant, in a coffee shop, on a cruise ship as a steward, a decorator. These are all life skills. Understanding people is incredibly important in every aspect of business, academics and creativity. I admire those that communicate with me honestly and with a level of charm.
I know you would like me to say this famous artist or that icon of business, but for me, it’s people like me. My friends are jewellers, cabinet makers, lawyers, ceramicists. The people I admire are my Dad, who raised me against many obstacles personally and financially. And people who tell me their stories and the things they have overcome. Those are true icons.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Go to the first part!
Vic Lee
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you been managing it?
Its been positive and negative. The Corona Diary 2020 was never meant to be a published book. But it happened. And it became something so special I had no idea. It was good for me to take a step back from my normal life, maybe to reevaluate who I am and what I wanted.
My partner, Helen, asked me what I learnt from the lockdown back in April 2020. I said to not put work first. To be spontaneous and live more. Enjoy friendships and travelling. Work will always be there, But it shouldn’t 'always be there.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Be nice. Don’t rush! Why does everyone want success so young! I didn’t go to University till I was 27. I travelled the World and had a blast! Slow down, have fun, enjoy life, then think about what you want to do.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Difficult one. Obviously, finances are always the big issue. But I think, fear too, many people are fearful of failure so won't try anything new or against the grain. Immediately, failing by not trying. I had no idea what I was doing when I left graphic design and became an artist, illustrator. What I did was sit down and work out financially what I needed to live on.
People tend to leave a job they hate for a better-paid job that they then hate. Instead of chasing money, I wanted to chase happiness. It’s surprising when you actually sit down and say I can live on this amount. Suddenly it feels calmer and more opportunistic.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life - Confuscious.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Non-specific. But the ones that challenge the norm. The ones who don't keep repeating what all their competitors are doing. The ones with charm, humour and intelligence.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Waking up and smiling and looking forward to the day ahead. And feeling calm.