Artist Inspiration - Troy Browne

Troy Browne is a freelancer, mograph and animator based in Nottingham, England. I first discovered Browne's work about a week ago, when I was trying to find new artists for a previous post, "10 Collage Artists Which You Could Research", and I haven't stopped thinking of how unique his design approach is! What inspires me most about Browne's work is the facial modification and exaggeration to certain facial features, such as removing eyes or increasing the size of certain features like the mouth. These modifications often lead his work to being described as "grotesque". Browne experiments with mixed media design as he experiments with both illustration and collage within one piece, allowing his approach to appear more creative and unique. These two medias are my personal favourites within graphic design, so it would be fitting for me to use Browne to inspire me in upcoming, future projects!

Browne often experiments with prominent shapes within his design, which are usually placed in the background, like the design above which shows star-like shape, appearing to represent some type of explosion. This approach reminds me of similar approaches someone would make with a cartoon illustration, to further add more enthusiasm towards the design. Adding more content to the background adds just that extra little bit of detail to Browne's design, in turn filling up more of the empty space, allowing the design to appear more complete and finished.

The most inspiring factor if Browne's work would have to be the exaggeration of certain facial features of the chosen character's face. Exaggerating different features such as enlarging the eyes or slightly moving the placement can add both a comical and scary atmosphere to the design, which is quite unique and inspiring. It can also help exaggerate the message and the emotion within the certain characters face. For example, if the eyes have been significantly increased in size, it could give the impression that the person within the collage is very shocked at something. Browne is using the exaggeration of certain facial features to further convey a story within his design.

It is clear to see that Browne has used his primary images to create his designs. I can imagine Browne has taken MANY primary images, involving different variations of the placement of light and shadow, allowing the different shapes to be clearly differentiated against each other, which is an interesting, inspiring approach. Without the variations of light and shadow, the exaggeration of facial features would not be so prominent and shocking. This inspires me to experiment with my own primary images when I next experiment with collage because it expands the possibilities of what I can create and what I can experiment with. I would most likely plan ahead different objects that I would like to photograph, thinking about different angles and lighting options, as a base plan, then improvise other little ideas which come to me in the moment.

The use of mixed media, with illustration and collaging, is another inspiring technique within Browne's work. Illustration is by far my personal favourite media to experiment with within graphic design, so incorporating illustration into collaging would make me more excited and engaged within the task. Browne uses quick, free movement squiggles within the design above to replace the eyes of the man, making the design look more creepy and unknown. This creepy atmosphere is further exaggerated by the man's mouth, which has been increased in size and edited to be a larger angled grin.

The use of vibrant, bold colours that Browne uses within his design is also very inspiring. I noticed within my research, collage artists often steer towards using colour palettes which use vibrant colours, however Browne's design uses the most eye catching and vibrant, of which I have found. These colour palettes complementary colours together as a pair, such as the design below, which involves orange and blue. Orange and blue work significantly well with each other, further allowing the design to appear more vibrant and eye catching. Using complementary colours as the only two colours in a design is a technique which I have found myself often steering towards within my experimentations, as I trust the outcomes are usually very unique and fun. Browne's design below further proves this idea of mine.

Browne also always includes bright, bold colour in the background of his designs. Most artists usually tend to steer away from this technique, using a more subtle, muted colour in the background, to ensure the content of the foreground is the focus point of the viewers attention. Involving bright, vibrant colours in the background allows his design to appear more fun, creative and unique compared to other designer's approach with colour techniques.

The trimming of different shapes within Browne's collage also varies. All designs involve little precision in their trimming, which is clear to see through small slithers of the background still being visible against the person in the picture and the hair often looking very rushed and cartoon-like. This allows the design to appear quite cool and unique, matching with some of the context in the design, such as a man skateboarding. The design above with the blue and orange colour palette has a much more messy approach to the trimming compared to the other design. There is a vast amount of the background within the original, chosen image, showing the trees and sky. This allows the design to appear very artistic and unique, which inspires me. Most collage artist's make the trimming of their shapes very precise and clean, aiming for this to allow their design to appear more professional. To show that a lot of care and precision has gone into their design. The messy trimming of Browne's work allows his outcomes to stand out against other collage artists.

"The subjects of Brown’s works almost always belong to the black community; they are assemblages of squared-off cutouts that contrast against flat, brightly colored backgrounds."

You may have noticed Browne only includes black people within his designs, as a purpose of his work is to talk about the black community and how they are represented within our society. Browne reflects on stories about his own experiences being black, on black inspirations in the public eye and the culture within his family, particularly when growing up. Browne's work depicts his internal need to rip of the mask and remind himself and other black people that "it is okay to be you", particularly to the younger generation.

https://www.troybrowne.com

https://www.instagram.com/troybrowne/