UrbanCowboy
The brainchild of Patrick Boyer, UrbanCowboy began in 2001 in New York with the idea to ‘stand out in a crowd of millions’. Originally from Montreal, Boyer has moved around a lot during the five years of UC’s existence, although he still lists Montreal as (‘more or less’) his base. Loueze Harper spoke with Boyer during his recent year-long travel and profile-building visit to Australia.
On the cusp of returning to Montreal, Patrick Boyer reveals he has spent the past year travelling and working in Australia, building up his profile and client base. Having spent some time in both Sydney and Melbourne—‘which still has my heart as a true rock and roll city’—Boyer can’t speak enough about the benefits of travel in this industry.
‘I figure one of the great things about being a designer is to not be confined and have both clients and the ability to work all over the world.’
Now on his way home—via New Zealand—Boyer sticks by this claim. So don’t be surprised if you see him back this way sometime soon.
Marketing & Communications
After studying Marketing and Communications at the University of Ottawa, Boyer undertook a series of ‘odd courses’ within the field of fine arts.
‘I don’t really remember ever wanting to become a designer,’ he reveals. ‘I just more or less gravitated towards it through a series of odd jobs and projects. I think that’s when I discovered the wonders of working within a creative industry, and I was instantly hooked.’
As for whether study has been beneficial to Boyer’s career, he admits it was great for a base and background knowledge.
‘I don’t think study is necessary, except to perhaps learn discipline and have a better understanding of the industry,’ he says, adding that in his case, his degree helped him become more familiar with the business side of running a design studio.
‘Yet it was the projects and work experience that helped me develop most as an artist.’
From vector images to CG collages
With a style that’s ‘constantly developing’, Boyer says that in its current incarnation, his style falls into two main categories.
‘One is working with vector images and illustrations,’ he says. ‘And the other is more computer generated collages.’
While Boyer admits that it helps to have a definable quality to his work, he believes that it’s also good to be adaptable.
‘It’s great to have a recognisable style but also equally important to be learning new styles,’ he says. ‘I’ve developed a creative playground in which I allow myself to “play”, push my creative boundaries, refine and re-define myself as an artist.’
While much of Boyer’s work is considered illustration, he identifies himself as a designer, as his illustrations are more graphic and computer generated than traditional illustration.
‘Since I run an independent design company and also do art direction and even photography, I try not to specialise in just one area or be pinned as just an illustrator,’ he explains. ‘But really, what’s in a name anyways?’
A rich, creative life
Like many designers, Boyer is inspired by the many and varied designers, artists and illustrators that make up the creative component of the world we live in.
‘I think having a rich life and exposing myself to a wide range of creativity is what inspires me the most,’ he says, adding that he believes it’s important to be surrounded by all forms of art and to be aware of other trends in disciplines other then your own—’from live music to free magazines’.
Apart from creative people, Boyer gains inspiration from his environment.
‘Whenever I have a creative block, just living in a vibrant city and surrounding myself with inspiration can help influence something new.’
The work; the clients
While Boyer uses many of the industry-standard software programs in his designs, his main work tools include Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw.
‘I know Corel isn’t necessarily the most popular amongst designers,’ he admits, ‘but for me it was one of the first programs I ever learnt, and I’m now so comfortable with it that it would seem odd without it. Plus, it’s always fun to be an underdog and use something other than Illustrator. Because of this, I’ve received a lot of media awareness.’
In addition to this, Boyer considers himself quite lucky to have a good solid international client base and the opportunity to work on amazing projects—’from building ad campaigns, to fancy looking socks and scarves’.
Clients include Aldo, CorelDraw, FHM, EMI, DaimlerChrysler, Casio and Harvey Nichols.
‘I’m currently working on a Summer Guide for Ministry of Sound, character drafts for a possible animated TV series and a flyer and marketing material for a hot night club in Sydney,’ he says adding that he’s just learned that some of his images will be used for Semi-Permanent 2007.
Maintaining independence
Boyer has spent the last five years building up the internationally acclaimed creative design identity that is UrbanCowboy.
‘As an independent artist, the challenge you may face is whether or not you can continue sustaining yourself throughout the years to come,’ he says. ‘The freedom of remaining independent is great, but whether or nor there will be enough work in the future or if your skills will still be marketable are things to be aware of.’
While this is a challenge appropriate to the whole design industry, it is definitely much more of a concern for an individual.
‘The area of design has opened up considerably within the past few years and now that it’s operating on such a global level, it’s more intense, more open and more competitive, making it very exciting, yet at the same time worrisome in hopes that the world will be equally receptive to the shift and flux in the creative industries and your place within it.’
So what now?
Boyer has many plans for the future. One current project is the development of a new clothing line after working with various international brands.
‘I’m also developing a printed coffee table book, ‘ilove4play’, which focuses on visual stimulation through the fusion of photo, design and literature,’ he says. ‘I’ve always been passionate about print and plan to start a free monthly magazine, ‘coffee shop orgasms’, which I hope will explore all the juicy things you’d love to look over while sipping your morning stimulant. No matter what I do, I intend to enjoy the ride!’
Filed under: DG magazine 127
