Artist Feature: Danny Allison

Jersey’s International Connections stamp set highlights the achievements of islanders and Jersey’s influence overseas during the last few centuries. From early maritime industries, to acts of humanity during wartime, the stamp set covers a range of topics. It was important for Jersey Stamps to find an artist who would be able to link all these subjects together, while giving each stamp its own spotlight.

Danny Allison was the artist chosen for the issue. His energetic approach that flows through each brushstroke and the vibrant colours made him an excellent choice for creating artwork that could perfectly portray each stamp’s story.

Since leaving school at the age of 16, Danny knew he wanted the freedom of a creative career. Originally, he’d planned to become a professional skateboarder, however a terrible injury prevented him from progressing in the industry, leading him to further his career as a freelance artist. Having taken a photography course at 16 and an illustrator course at Preston University, Danny developed his artistic skills and now creates mixed-medium artwork that is bright and impactful.

In terms of his inspiration, Danny said: “I’m inspired heavily by moving art form, so I usually try to imagine my illustration as a snapshot, or a still frame from something that is in motion. I love the energy that this gives off, I love free mark making and motion and high forms of energy in my visuals, so I try to pick out anything with that sort of energy from the story or concept, and work from there.”

Originally inspired by Andy Warhol's style as well as black Le rat and Banksy, Danny has over the years created his own unique art form, which is also heavily influenced by his around the world travel and love of cinematic photography.

When creating the artwork for Jersey’s International Connections, Danny fully immersed himself into each of the stories behind the stamps, such as the Prisoners of War stamp, which details two American soldiers who had been held on the island’s prisoner of war camp during the occupation in WWII. After escaping the prison walls the soldiers were assisted by Bill Bertram, a local who sheltered and aided with them with their escape onto a raft where they were later picked up by allied forces. Danny’s artwork incorporates a combination of moments from their story, including the Piper L-4 plane that was shot down causing the two to be captured originally in France.

Noting what it was like working on artwork for each stamp, Danny said: “I think my Illustration style fits perfectly with the small size of stamps due to the bold and graphic nature that my style has.”

Image above: Danny Allison - Jersey's International Connections Artist

Commenting on his preferred type of subject to paint, Danny said: “I absolutely love painting, strange, and obscure concepts. I love, metaphors and similes, and I try to create my images with a more conceptual perspective. So, it makes you stop and decode the visuals! I am not interested in just creating décor!”

When collaborating with Jersey Stamps on the issue, Daniel commented that he loved working on all the stamps but in terms of his favourites said: “Oh, that is tricky. It’s between the knitted top American footballer and the POW story! It’s hard to pick as I truly enjoyed them all!”

Finally, when asked for a quote that Danny goes by in his life and career, he said: “Absolutely never give up!”

You can find our more about Daniel’s work here:https://www.dannyallison.com/. Find the stamps here: Jersey’s International Connections.