Twist Illustration and Design – Greg Jackson

Twist is a Brisbane based creative service specialising in 'tailor-made' illustration and design. Being the sole illustrator, designer and coffee drinker, I take a very hands on approach to every job. Since 1997 I've enjoyed conjuring up images and designs for many clients, with projects ranging from brochures to board games.


Mostly the whole story…

Raised firstly in New Guinea and with no television to speak of, I gravitated to drawing (and collecting comic books) from an early age. After attending schools in Brisbane and one year working in a small advertising agency, I decided to attended art college. Over these three years, thanks to some innovative college lecturers, I formed an approach to illustration and problem solving that continues to this day, using traditional media mainly gouache and inks. Here also, I met my future wife.

After graduating with a Diploma of Illustration in 1983, I knocked around in alternative bands playing drums and having a great time until I finally had to grow up and get a full-time job. I began working at in-house art departments doing mainly design and finished art in a fairly traditional manner. (Some of you probably won’t even know what Letraset or a bromide camera is!). After some travelling, I finally kicked the 9 to 5 habit and began Twist Illustration and Design.

Inspired by a college friend who’d done the same, I took straight away to illustrating digitally using a Mac and tablet. My early years were spent wooing clients in magazine and newspaper editorial, later incorporating advertising and corporate work to my resume. I also had my own children’s picture book published in 2000. Over time I have gradually added more design work to my illustration base and also diverged into storyboarding and animation.

Being a ‘freelance’ illustrator is never an easy task, but thanks to an understanding partner and some dedicated clients I have managed to forge a small creative business now for over 15 years.

Thanks for reading
Greg