JH: Nik, Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview.

JH: So how long have you been doing design?

Nik: It's been about 5 years now, although at the start it could barely be called design, just random Photoshop doodling.

JH: Have you always done design, or did you start in another field?

Nik: Well it's the only job I've done professionally. I started off as a web designer based on my ability to produce graphics and the fact that web coding is pretty easy. Since then I have moved into pure illustration and design as I find it more creatively rewarding. I actually have a degree in physics though, and was probably going to be using that for my career before I found design.

JH: What made you want to become a designer?

Nik: I just enjoyed it. I started off doing it as a hobby, and when I realized I could make a career out of it, it wasn't too hard a decision to make.

JH: Do you freelance for a living, or do you have an employer?

Nik: I freelance, all my work is commission based.

JH: What do you do in your spare time?

Nik: Oh all the usual stuff, going out for drinks, reading, playing games down the pub, computer games. I go to see a lot of live music as well. I try to make it to a gig every 2 weeks at the least.

JH: Would you mind giving our readers a brief overview of what an average day is like for Nik Ainley?

Nik: That's very difficult as it changes massively depending on if I have a lot of work on or not. If I don't I could literally check my emails and then spend the rest of the day out or messing about the house. If I've got a serious job on and need to get work I might spend 12 hours at the computer and barely talk to anyone.

JH: Looking over your art, you have an extremely diverse portfolio, ranging from melting faces to elaborate typography... where do you find your inspiration?

Nik: I just like to make things that look nice and try to have a go at every image type within my images. If I could paint, or do complex 3D art or character design I'd be doing that as well. Unfortunately I'm not that multi-talented.

JH: If you ever find yourself short on creativity, what sorts of activities do you do to get it back?

Nik: I find you have to work it through. I just try and get all the crap ideas out of my head and onto canvas. Until the dodgy ideas are out I don't get new ones coming in.

JH: A lot of your work is reminiscent of traditional artwork, do you like free hand drawing (inks, painting, etc) as well?

Nik: Not at all actually, I am a purely digital artist. Partly because I've never really done traditional art and so would be rubbish at it, but also because I have very literal interest in it. The power of the computer for producing art is so exceptional I would feel like my hands were tied with traditional art.

JH: I see you have done a lot of work for well-known magazines, what tips can you give our readers on getting these types of deals? Did you contact them, or vice-versa?

Nik: Well they contacted me, I think that's mostly how it works. Although for Digit I did send stuff in for their showcase and ended up being commissioned and doing the cover. That's a good way to get their attention, otherwise I think they spend a lot of time looking for new talent so a website is essential.

JH: What has been the most fun project to work on so far?

Nik: I couldn't pick one really, generally I have the most fun when I've just started a personal picture and I'm getting something I like going. Since I have complete creative freedom with these projects and no deadline it can great fun just experimenting.

JH: On your page (ShinyBinary.com) you list many programs that you use... what are the primary 3 for the majority of your designs?

Nik: Photoshop, Photoshop and Photoshop. I spend nearly all my time in it, the others are just for additional details generally.

JH: What is your favorite website? (besides Phazm of course...)

Nik: Probably something boring like the BBC news site. I waste half of my time reading any old rubbish on that site.

JH: Do you do much web design?

Nik: Not anymore. As I said I was a full time web designer for 2 and a half years or so, spending most of my time writing HTML and CSS and producing web graphics, I found it a bit dull though.

JH: Imagine yourself in 20 years... what do you see yourself doing?

Nik: Absolutely no idea… I hope it's creative though. I'd be disappointed if I was still doing the same thing though, I need to move on.

JH: What is your favorite beverage?

Nik: A nice cup of tea.

JH: Any additional tips you would like to impart on our readers?

Nik: Nope, I'm sure they've got more sense than I do.

JH: Thank you again for your time, Nik. Your art is truly inspiring!