Kiel Tillman, street artist
The street-art scene has really been embraced by the Gold Coast ...
Friends, meet Kiel Tillman. In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced Kyle. Yes, a fair bit of creativity has gone into the spelling of his first name, but the magic doesn’t end there. Kiel is one of city’s most renowned (and subsequently, busiest) street artists, exhibiting his colourful and intriguing works across the county and internationally, while at the same time running his own freelance gig that sees many local businesses clamouring for a piece of his unique illustrations, scribes and typography. Kiel is one of a number of renowned artists who have descended on the Gold Coast for the DETOUR Street Art Festival, so we thought we’d catch up with him about evolving styles, festival fun and leaving his mark on the city.
You’re currently involved in a pretty major art installation called DETOUR Street Art Festival. Can you tell us about what you’re creating?
It’s been awesome to be involved in Robina Town Centre’s DETOUR Street Art Festival. I love that local creatives have been given a platform to showcase their work in front of the local community. I have painted one of the large pop-up cubes that are scattered around the centre. I have used a mix of illustration and typography overlaying different blocks of colour. Each side of the cube is its own individual artwork but the underlying colours link all four sides together. It was a fun piece to create especially painting it live within Robina Town Centre as shoppers watched on.
Let’s take things back a bit – we’re intrigued about your journey as an artist. Where did it all begin for you?
Well I was always creative so when I left school I studied graphic design and worked in a few different industries as a designer and creative director. About 6 years ago, when I turned 30, I started to take my illustration and art making a bit more seriously, which led to exhibiting my work, designing t-shirt graphics and eventually painting on walls. Then about 12 months ago, my side hustle became my main gig! Now I run my own business integrating my design experience with my illustration style for clients both locally and all over the world.
How would you best describe your creative style? Do you think your style changed over the years?
For my creative style, I usually try and keep to the theme of ‘graphic nature’. I look to use graphic elements such as type or something man-made mixed with something from nature like flowers or animals. Usually illustrated with bold lines, patterns and layers. My style has definitely evolved over the years. I use a lot more colour now.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
I grew up with a love of surfing and skating, so the surf and skate graphics from the 80s and 90s have always inspired me – they always have a great way of mixing illustration with branding. I’m inspired by the people around me and the place I live (Currumbin). But music is probably my biggest inspiration.
Alongside your nation-wide work and exhibitions, you’ve been heavily involved across various areas of the Gold Coast art scene. How have you seen the industry change over time?
The industry has definitely changed and evolved since I first got into it. There are now so many different and unique opportunities to have your work seen and to put it out there. There is also such an incredible collection of talented local creatives, both established and newcomers. The street art scene has really been embraced by the Gold Coast, especially over the last year or so. It’s exciting to see where it goes next.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
That would have to be my family.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I don’t think I received it from just one person, but definitely something I have learnt over the years – don’t be a jerk. Respect the people around you and the people you work with. Be grateful for the opportunities that present themselves (thank you for this interview!). It seems pretty simple, but it has helped me get to where I am today. I’ve formed great relationships within the industry that I can reach out to if I ever need help and vice versa.
You can see Kiel’s work and watch the rest of the eye-catching art installation unfold before your eyes at the DETOUR Street Art Festival until Sunday April 15.
