Or Gotham, a New York-based illustrator, cites his inspirations as Robert Rauschenberg and Batman—and it shows. We first noticed Or's illustrations through his work with Warby Parker, and were immediately drawn to the witty and simplistic styles represented in his portfolio. Because illustration is a classic medium that's constantly adapting, we were curious to talk to Or and have him explore the idea of rethinking traditional spirit-making and cocktail practices through photographs and illustrations.
Even classics have to start from somewhere.
KOVAL: What led you to illustration?
Or Gotham: I’ve segued into many different careers over the years- painting and sculpting. I was a makeup artist for a few years, too. But, I kind of stumbled into illustration as a vocation. It presented itself really organically as a way for me to work creatively in a really fast paced field. I lacked that kind of velocity as a studio artist and illustration was a tacit fit for me. I’m drawn to the idea that hand illustration itself is a little antiquated, so incorporating it into design feels like a step forward by looking back.
K: Who are a few illustrators and/or artists that have inspired you recently?
OG: I always had a thing for Rothko and Rauschenberg. Rothko for being a master of these understated cinematic color palettes, and Rauschenberg for always keeping a narrative in his art. Geoff McFetridge is a contemporary illustrator who I think is lovely. His illustrations have a wit, acuity, and simplicity that make him stand out from a lot of his contemporaries.
Step 1. Take what you know. Step 2. Turn it on its head.
K: How do you balance your work with Warby Parker with personal projects? Are you able to blend your own artistic point-of-view with the brand's? How do the two work together?
OG: The work I do with them only inspires the personal projects I do. Since I do such a high volume of work, I’m learning at such a quick pace. The style of work I do with Warby is a tangent of my own work—a little quirkier, paired down and always smarter. My art lined up with their spirit from the get-go, so with the help of some really great direction, we took this undefined space of illustration in the design and help land on a standard, combining my style with the company’s witty irreverence.
K: Pick three words to describe your aesthetic/perspective.
OG: Blue, blue and blue.
Bespoke, with a twist.
K: What's your go-to cocktail?
OG: I’ve recently gotten really into dirty martinis. I like them with vodka and if I make them at home, I’ll dress them with bleu cheese stuffed olives. It is magnificent.
Dinner parties don't have to be boring if you don't want them to be.
