Art of Punk: Wolfmask

Wolfmask is a Scottish illustrator, now based in Bath, who I’ve had on my ‘Art of Punk’ list since I first started writing these posts. Why? Because I see his artwork everywhere in the punk rock world – it’s instantly recognisable – and it’s pretty darn cool too. So I apologise for taking this long to feature his stuff!

 

 

Wolfmask describes himself as a cartoonist rather than an illustrator or designer and looking at his work it’s easy to see why. Using bright, often neon, contrasting colours and a bold black wobbley keyline in his artwork, it certainly wouldn’t look out of place in a comic book or graphic novel… Which is probably why, when he’s not working with bands and record labels, he creates his own zines and comic books. His debut full length comic book (24 full-colour pages) Skull Hero can purchased in his online shop, along with a load of other prints, t-shirts and pin badges of his own designs – plus he’s recently released a colouring book, because colouring books are all the rage y’know, and it looks pretty awesome.

But of course I wouldn’t be featuring Wolfmask if he didn’t also do art for bands. Being originally from Scotland, it’s no surprise that he’s done quite a bit for a number of Scottish bands – The Kimberley Steaks, The Murderburgers, Billy Liar to name but a few – but he’s also worked with loads of bigger names like Gnarwolves, Courtney Barnett, Kerrang!, Epitaph Records and, err, Nandos.

Colin owns a number of 7” records that feature sleeves designed by Wolfmask so I made sure to borrow and photograph these for this post. What I really love about Wolfmask’s work for album artwork is that it’s more than just the front that is designed. It’s more than just the back too! Inner sleeves and labels also feature a continuation of the front design. Plus the records themselves are in complementary colours!

  

  

  

Earlier this year Wolfmask put together a free compilation of bands and artists that he’s worked with, which you can download here.

‘Over the past 4 years I've had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing artists, create some art I'm very proud of and make some real lasting friendships. As a celebration of this, I've brought together a bunch of songs by artists I've had the pleasure of working with and give you all something in the process as a way of saying thanks for the support. I feel very fortunate I get to do this every day!’