Pencil Fingerz Q&A
Introduce yourself :
My name is Davis Graham, I'm from a small town called Chilliwack in British Columbia, Canada. I am currently living as a graphic designer in Vancouver, BC.
Your Art is incredible, it feels like the Pencil is an extension of your Self, when did you know you were .. Pencil Fingerz ?
Well I've been working with pencil my entire life, the name came about when my friend Lucas, who I had been working on a clothing company with, started calling me it when I was drawing on the ceilings of our shop stencilling in a mural. He thought it was funny that I always had a pencil in my hand, and the name stuck once I created a logo. This was in 2013, but I've been drawing portraits since I was 7.
You hand drew the artwork for T-Wayne, the ever elusive joint album. How did the stars align for you on this project ?
This cover came about a few days before it's release, and it was a product of a relationship I've had with Cinematic Music's CEO Jonny Shipes for about 5 years. He reached out to me with the opportunity and I created the cover in 2 days, it was teased the next day, and then released on Thursday.
Describe your surroundings while you were at work on this piece, what was around you. What was going on in your mind ?
I was in my small bedroom/office with lots of music and water. It's a tight spot but I have a large window with an ocean view so I don't go crazy. Lots of drawings and drawing utensils all over my desktop. All my previous works on the wall in front of me, including a piece done by Paul Daniels of Bruce Lee, and a wood burnt piece that reads "It Was Written" done by a friend, in front of my face. My mind was honestly pretty empty as it usually is while I draw, but honestly I was just in disbelief as to what it was I was working on. I wanted it to be perfect.
This isn't the first time you've created the artwork for an album cover, let's talk about your work for The Underachievers, what was your inspiration/process for those intricate pieces of art ?
When I work for The Underachievers I work closely with Issa Gold. He is the mastermind behind the concepts and he gives me a rough idea of what he wants it to include, and he'll also send me references to help my creativity. With them, I'm always trying to make each cover more exciting then the last.
What have you learned from working with Issa and AK ?
Not just from working with them, but as friends of mine they have taught me so much. Whether it be direct advice or just observing how they hold themselves with the utmost respect. Issa has taught me to plan ahead.. like way ahead. And AK has taught me to be cautious of the people I let in to my life and surround myself with. Both incredible people I feel fortunate to know, let alone work with.
Any other notable album/single covers crafted by the mighty Pencil Fingerz ?
I've done album/mixtape/single art for Rittz, Mick Jenkins, Dillon Cooper, CJ Fly, G-Herbo and a few others. Mostly I do promotional work, like tour posters and t-shirt designs. I recently sold a design to country superstar Eric Church.
What is your favorite album cover of all-time, and for which reason ?
I love helplessness blues by the Fleet Foxes, that cover is a masterpiece. And I'm also a fan of Vampire Weekend's covers. So classy.
Let's talk about your PFNudes series, what sparked that idea ?
I have always been interested in nude art. My favorite painter is Lucian Freud, and I discovered him when I was in grade 12. I had been talking with a friend about wanting to start to draw them and she told me to just ask for volunteers, but I felt weird doing so. At the same time a fan had reached out to me and asked me to draw her nude. It was all sort of serendipitous, and once I drew one... well then more people wanted it done. I plan on releasing a full book of them at the end of the year, donating a portion to The Downtown Eastside Woman's Centre here in Vancouver.
