Art / graphic design
Jenks In The Cut: Exploring the life behind illustrations
He only started illustrating digitally three years ago, but Sam Jenkins is already making strides in the art world.
Known professionally as Jenks In The Cut, Sam has collaborated with Nando’s, Puma and works full time as a graphic designer with a children’s book publisher.
“I started drawing when I was super young, maybe like six or seven,” says Sam. “I always have memories of drawing super cars and superheroes, but I started (digitally) illustrating in November 2017.
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“My girlfriend kept pushing me to try it, and when I finally gave in I really enjoyed it, after that, I was kind of hooked and the rest is history.”
Jenks In The Cut is based in east Bristol. Photo: Sam Jenkins
The artist, who draws much of his inspiration from comic books, describes his art style as animated realism, and was recently recognised as one of the most influential under-30s in Bristol by Rife Magazine.
The 24-year-old moved to Bristol after finishing university to live with his girlfriend.
“The move really was a no-brainer with all the creative opportunities here,” he says.
“Bristol’s always treated me well, since I first started visiting. The people here have always been super friendly and the city itself is a huge source of inspiration.”
Jenks In The Cut’s illustration of Big Sean in the ZTFO music video
He says that to work in a creative industry while creating artwork and working on commissions in his spare time is a “juggling act”, but says that he’s found the “sweet spot”, spending the end of 2020 refining his art style and focusing more on detail in his work.
Looking to the future, Sam says: “2021 should be a good year for me, I’m coming to the end of a few commissions which I’m really hyped for people to see. I’ve got a personal project I’ve been working on for a month now too, and that should be coming soon!”
All images: Jenks In The Cut
Read more: 30 of the most influential under-30s in Bristol revealed
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