Hey thanks for meeting up with me! (We both laugh) I met up with our bestselling artist of 2024, Eynon Jones. Having met loads of times, including working together for his first gallery solo show- we had a laugh about the formality of an interview setting. Jones always has such a contagious positive energy – which shows throughout his work (and this interview!).

Can you explain your artistic style in a few words?

Yeah, it’s um, positive. Kind of simple. Stripped back with a lot of bold summer colours. I like a small dose of imperfection – that makes it human. 

Where does your creativity come from? 

I loved creating as a child, art was always a favourite subject at school, but I guess the world can knock away the fun of creativity as you get older. In lockdown I was free to pick up where I left off as a kid and I started illustrating purely for joy. I just produced what made me feel great. The only opinion that mattered was mine and my wife Sarah’s. She’s got a great eye.

In what way did your creativity get knocked out of you? And what was it like getting it back? 

I guess freedom allowed me to create images that made me feel… good! Maybe I had stopped doing that at some point. Once I found that positivity again I couldn’t really let it go. I’m addicted to finding that positivity through my illustration. If anyone also likes my illustrations then that’s great too.

I started selling prints on social media. I’d deliver lockdown prints to peoples doors all over East London. I met some amazing people on those door steps, they were kind to me. And a few were even kind enough to introduce me to some amazing galleries. It’s surprising how connected everyone is when you just start talking. As my work entered wonderful galleries I also started illustrating for commercial jobs which lead me to my wonderful illustration agents. It all started from my kitchen table and I owe a lot to those people on those door steps who helped me get started.

Is there a theme to your work? 

I think the world needs positivity in it, probably more than ever- so positivity is my theme. In fact it guides me.

A lot of your work incorporates Walthamstow? Can you tell me about your relationship with the area?

I’m from a little section called Higham’s park, which is a neighbour to Walthamstow. I love the community around here as many of the door stop sales were based in these parts. I also did a few shows at my local Biba and Wren (previously Halex) where I’d meet the nicest people who all were connected to the arts in some way. My work led me to brilliant people and through them to amazing places such Images in Frames for my solo show.

You’ve worked with some very notable clients, how do you balance creativity with meeting client or project expectations? 

Most clients I have worked with usually respect my style and trust me (touch wood). That’s what makes a great leader / director / person in any profession – they play to your strengths. It’s a pleasure to work with them.  I’m really proud of working for all my clients. Working with big names Häagen-Dazs , Coca Cola, Christies, Adobe, has been a buzz but also local businesses like Stow Bros, Burnt Faith was also a total joy. 

You had your first gallery solo show here at Images In Frames, It was a success for us! Did you also see it as a success for you? 

Yes for sure – it was so much fun. It felt successful because it came from those doorsteps and people led me there – that journey based on real life connections really excites me. Standing alone at 6pm in a room with your work surrounding you was daunting. However fast forward an hour and to see it rammed inside and with crowds outside on the street was mind blowing. All those people were wonderful to meet. I was right to call the show the name “Epic in Awesomestow”. They proved me right. It is. 

Jones doesn’t linger on any negative insights for too long, he’s all about what’s bright, new and exciting. Spreading joy, as he gets back in touch with his energetic creativity often inspired by the East London community.

Interviewed by Molly Mcculloch

04.02.25