Tom Guilmard Is Having All The Fun
The artist and illustrator is known for his cheeky creations, but what brought him there?
Published
Artist In Residence is a monthly featured artist. Each month, we profile an artist who creates original artwork for Byline's homepage. Just as we seek to give writers a byline, we seek to give artists space.
Navigating through the whimsical world of Tom Guilmard, one can't help but be enveloped by a playful universe where thick digital lines form bizarre and lovable characters, each one a sprightly nod to the artist’s irrepressible humor and imaginative spirit. Tom, an England-based illustrator and animator, crafts a world where the palpable energy of fun and spontaneous creation punctuates every piece. His effortless ability to create a myriad of characters, ranging from the adorably odd to the curiously misshapen, showcases a delightful chaos born from a method where instinct trumps overthought and rapid creation yields an honesty that has become his signature.
While his humor and quirky visual style serve to charm and entertain, Tom utilizes these elements as subtle conduits to engage his audience in deeper dialogues, camouflaging poignant messages within a seemingly light-hearted façade. His dedication to a quick and unfiltered creative process not only lends an authentic quality to his works but also forms a peculiarly magnetic aesthetic that invites viewers to revel in the juxtaposition of simplicity and depth. Through this vibrant cacophony of characters and narratives, Tom extends an invitation to explore topics with levity, gently nudging towards introspection amidst the hearty chuckles, and embodying a mastery in weaving complexity into simplicity.
For our collaboration with Urban Outfitters and Dickies, we commissioned Tom to create an original work in the spirit of the new work world, and thus, new work wear — but with the Guilmard touch, of course.