Illustrator
He's not sure talent exists.
Doubling down on your passion — even when things get tough — is more important than ever.
I wanted to really lean into the use of the word 'ruined' in the title. It just made sense to show Miles and Katy in a cinematic world that felt like they'd literally become characters from the movies that had 'ruined' them.
Illustration commissions were initially relatively few and far between, but over time, I got busier and busier until around nine years ago when I committed to it full-time.
I learnt an important lesson about freelancing in those days too, though when one of the magazines I'd been working regularly for went into liquidation without warning, and I was suddenly £5k short.
The single biggest influence on me in terms of inspiration and falling in love with pop culture illustration was Thomas William Chantrell's classic Star Wars poster.
Eight-year-old me will never get over it.
This Creative Boom podcast episode features illustrator Sam Gilbey in a lighthearted conversation about creativity, pop culture, and personal experiences. He discusses his views on talent, his love for pop culture, and a humorous encounter with his childhood hero Tony Hart. The episode celebrates creativity, fandom, and the joy of making art.
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features illustrator Sam Gilbey in conversation with host Katy Cowan. Gilbey discusses his career journey from early web design to becoming a renowned pop culture illustrator, reflecting on resilience, adaptation, and passion in the face of industry changes and AI disruption.
Creative Boom introduces its founder Katy Cowan’s new podcast, 'The Films That Ruined Us', co-hosted with filmmaker Miles Watts. The article explores the concept behind the show and details how illustrator Sam Gilbey created its retro VHS-inspired poster artwork. The piece highlights the creative process, from concept sketches to final cinematic illustration, capturing the podcast’s nostalgic and obsessive love of film.
Creative Boom profiles illustrator Sam Gilbey, tracing his two-decade career from fine art beginnings to a successful freelance practice creating painterly pop culture portraits. The article explores his influences, tools, and major collaborations with brands like Marvel, Sony, and the BBC, as well as his approach to freelancing and creative process. It highlights his evolution from magazine tutorials to high-profile campaigns and film artwork.