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Joey Ellis is an illustrator working Charlotte. Visit his site at joeyellis.com.

AIGA Member for: 5 years

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I pull from the same hero pools that others do. I admire Charlie Harper, Jim Flora, and Tim Biskup, just to name a few. (I just named those guys because I’m currently reading their books). I get most of my drive from my peers. I consider myself to be extremely driven, and I can’t sit still when I see friends and colleagues posting new work or tweeting about new clients. It fuels my desire to build and create even more.

I also feel the pressure to use my time wisely. Tomorrow is not promised, and the time you do have will pass quickly. I haven’t always felt this way, but seeing my children grow has shown me that feelings, thoughts and situations will change in an instant. Better make today count.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be your own person. Do what you love and everything else will fall into place.

What is the best purchase you’ve ever made?
I like those Moleskin Cahier sketchbooks. The big (7×10) ones that lay flat. You can do some big drawings on those. I buy Faber Castel Polychromos pencils (red and black) by the box. Doesn’t erase well on some paper, but they’re my favorite pencils. I also have a new iMac that’s helped me on some complex illustrations. I got the biggest one they had a few months back. I’m sure it’s obsolete now.

What are you current working on?
I’m currently in the middle of iOS game development. I guess you could call me the art director and the lead artist. That’s been going on strong since last October and I’m really proud of the work on it so far. I’ve also managed to secure several other character development jobs as well as some other art direction and illustration work. I’ve been very fortunate.

What’s one goal you have for the future?
To not go out of business.

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About AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight
Each month AIGA Charlotte interviews a selected AIGA Charlotte Member. It is a great opportunity for the Charlotte design community to see who AIGA Charlotte is along with all the amazing things our members are doing. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight, please contact Patrick Saleeby, Membership Director.