An interview with our label and brand illustrator, Ty Williams.
Wasted Wine Club is certainly on the lighter side of all things vinous. Yes, we're a wine brand, but we're far more excited about working with talented winemakers and focusing on the sustainability of those endeavours, than we are concerned with appellations and rules. We never want to take wine too seriously. So once we came up with the idea and our name, we were always going to need a strong visual identity to communicate that our aim was to keep things fun and fresh. We needed to partner with the right person who could bring that all to life, and who could craft that brand image, and American illustrator Ty Williams was just the man for the job. Our founder Angelo van Dyk spoke to him about about what has influenced his drawing style, and how art can contribute to the conversation of sustainability.
Angelo van Dyk: Thanks for taking the time to chat to us Ty. Can you tell us where you’re currently based, and what it is you do?
Ty Williams: I am based in New England - primarily Maine, where I am originally from. I also spend some time working in Vermont. I draw, paint and design, for both myself, and for other people with projects and ideas.
AVD: When did you start drawing, and did you always think you’d pursue illustration?
TW: I have drawn my entire life. When I was little, my mother always carried pencils in her purse to give me so that I would calm down when we were out and I was throwing a tantrum. I didn’t think I realised that I could buy groceries or support myself by drawing until I got to college.
AVD: When you aren't illustrating, where can we find you?
TW: If I’m not making things, I am surfing, or planning how to go surfing, or I am spending time with my partner. I love travelling, and digging in old vintage piles.
AVD: Could you share some of the creative thinking that you went through when creating the illustrations for the Wasted Wine Club?
TW: It was during Covid lockdown and I was missing friends and time with others, and the idea of sharing space and being together seemed fitting for some illustrations. Drinking wine always makes an occasion a bit better. The idea of extra amounts of wine being saved also was intriguing. I’m so happy to be able to have dinner parties again.
AVD: You live in New England, and the coastline on the east coast of the USA is particularly unique. Do you find that part of the world has influenced your style of drawing at all?
TW: Yes and no. I am from the coast, so that of course is evident in my work with the surfing and ocean elements, but my work is often uplifting, or whimsical and positive. We as a culture in New England are quite sarcastic and dark. So In a way, my work might be in response to where I am from. I’m a dark sarcastic New Englander, who tries to make slightly more positive images.
AVD: Do you think art can impact the conversation surrounding sustainability?
TW: Absolutely - anytime an image can help drive home a heavy point it’s helpful for me. Also, humour helps to soften big ideas, making them more understandable for people, including me.
