I first came by Trevor Dickinson's work searching Flickr for pics of Merewether Ocean Baths. Facing in the opposite direction of the lenses that jostle for the typically stylised and glossy sunrise shots of the diving blocks and baths was a the perfectly balanced illustration of oft-overlooked Merewether Ocean Baths change room building. Intrigued, I Googled to find his site and was awestruck by the treasure trove of images that speak volumes of the essence of Newcastle.
Merewether Ocean Baths, 2009
Controversial architecture, local icons, questionable billboard advertisements and town tag-lines, disused and derelict public spaces, inanimate objects all very much a part of daily life in Newy. Newcastle has a quirkiness that drives some people to distraction and others who embrace it.
His Q&A answers are as no fuss, honest and just a little bit cheeky as his Newcastle illos. I think you'll be amazed, as I was, to learn of his breadth of design styles. I am a huge fan.
Dad by Lucy Dickinson, 2009
Condensed CV:
I was born in Swindon, England, lived in London until 2002 then moved to Newcastle, Australia. I trained as a textile designer and work as a freelancer, designing graphics and textiles for the fashion industry. Throughout the nineties I designed for number of large brands and clothing chains in the UK and I continue working for some of these companies still.
Since moving to Australia I have worked with a number of companies, my favourite one being Sydney based Fred Bare. Other clients include: Adidas, Levi's, The Gap, Osh Kosh, The Rolling Stones, Disney, Kangol, Kuta Lines, Fila and Grab.
Trevor's work for Fred Bare
Trevor's work for The Rolling Stones
Trevor's work for Adidas
I also wrote and illustrated three children's picture books that have been published in a number of countries.
Currently I’m working on a side project called Newcastle Productions.This is a growing range of prints, cards, zines and tea towels based on my drawings of Newcastle.
Newcastle teatowel
What has been your most memorable project?
My first book, Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress. I had wanted to write and illustrate a childrens picture book for years and while designing for a store in London I met my collaborator, Emma Carlow. Luckily, the first idea we came up with was picked up by a publisher but by the time we got around to working on the illustrations I had moved to Australia. Luckily our roles were pretty much defined, she mainly did characters and I mainly did backgrounds, so after endless emails we managed to create something that we were both proud of.
Trevor's book, Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress
What would be your dream project?
At the moment it would be a commission to produce a book of drawings of Australian towns and cities. This would involve spending at least a year traveling the country, I’d need a big advance from a publisher so I can buy a camper van and have money left to support myself. Maybe I’ll do it anyway when the kids leave home.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Apart from continuing to earn a living as a designer, it would have to be getting my first childrens book published. More recently, I think it’s quite an achievement that I‘ve sold over 300 Newcastle zines over the past six months.
Newcastle zine, issue 1
Newcastle zine, issue 2
What is your most treasured possession?
The contents of my computer. It would definitely be the most painful thing to lose if my house burned down, although losing my house would be quite painful.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Procrastination, feel guilty, snack, work, lunch, Oprah/The View/Dr Phil, work, nap, kids get home, work, snack, work.
I‘m more focused if I have a tight deadline, if I don’t have this I’ll do work for my textile agent in London. This involves designing fashion prints to sell In New York or Europe. I work on the Newcastle Productions stuff in the evenings and at weekends.
Council Buildings, 2009
Fred Ash, 2010
Queens Wharf Tower, 2009
What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business?
Not really a pearl of wisdom, but years ago I was told my work was “a bit samey” and I‘ve remembered and fought the comment ever since – as everyone should! I get bored very easily so I do try to give myself different projects and new goals all the time. Having no paid work is no excuse for not working. As Nike says, just do it!
Where do you derive creative inspiration?
The usual: magazines, books, internet etc. I like to be given visual inspiration when I’m briefed. I work best when I’m working from a starting point.
For Newcastle Productions I get inspiration by just cycling around town. I look at Newcastle very differently since I started drawing it.I have a much sharper eye for odd details now, I’m always on the lookout for new subjects.
Charlestown, 2009
Lambton Pool, 2009
Newcastle Resistance Centre, 2010
Happy House, Glebe Road, 2010
Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?
Robert Crumb, Benjamin Güdel, Evan Hecox, Urban Sketchers flickr group, Fiona at Fred Bare, Robert Ryan, Christine Berrie, Gwen Lee…
What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?
BBC radio – I’m a radio 4 addict, also mark Kermode & Mayo's Film Review on radio 5 - the best you’ll ever hear.
London Lee - British nostalgia for expat ex-punks.
You Thought We Wouldn't Notice - I hope I’m never featured.
Photoshop Disasters and Awkward Family Photos always give me a laugh.
Energy Stadium, 2010
Fort Scratchley Stairs, 2010
Society of Artists, Lambton Park, 2010
Velodrome, 2010
Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?
Cycling, walking, Pub Quiz, movies, art galleries, cooking.
How long have you been a Novocastrian?
Eight years
Newcastle in a word?
Improving.
What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?
I love the Fernleigh Track, the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, the beach, palm trees, back alleyways, urban decay, storm drains, railway crossings, going for a cycle half an hour before sunset and New Lambton library.
I hate TVs showing big dumb sport in every pub in town, the closing of the Newcastle Museum, Glendale and Charlestown shopping centres, the amount of huge cars on the road and being so far away from my family in England.
Darling Street, Broadmeadow, 2010
Prince Street, Waratah, 2010
Verulum Road, Lambton, 2009
Dairy Farmers Van, Greta Road, 2009
Lambton Road Signs, 2010
How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?
When I’m driving and I indicate that I want to change lanes, the driver behind me speeds up to overtake.
Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:
+ eat
Nowhere regular, apart from at my kitchen table with friends. At the moment I’m liking Sprocket Roasters (68 Hunter St, Newcastle, 02 4009 1237) for a nice cheap lunch at a Formica table.
+ drink
The Oriental Quiz Night (every Thu 7.30pm-10.30pm, 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill 02 4929 1130), The Lass (14 Railway St, Wickham, 02 4962 1248)
+ shop
Honeybee, for a fine selection of Newcastle greeting cards (162 Darby St, Cooks Hill 02 929 1886). Bird in the Hand zine shop, very inspiring (100a King St , Newcastle).
+ play
I love cycling around looking for locations to draw, so everywhere in town.
+ relax
Again, I draw to relax, so anywhere on the streets of Newcastle.
Lambton Road, Broadmeadow, 2009
New Lambton, 2009
Newcastle Showground, 2009
What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?
I think Newcastle itself is a big secret to a lot of Australians.
Website trevordickinson.com
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