Duncan Gravestock / Studio Anark

Studio Anark is Duncan Gravestock, a graphic designer based in Cardiff, specialising in brand, design and digital. His side project Anark was set up in 2016 to pursue his passion for illustration and art to compliment his professional life. 

What influence does music have in your life as a creative?:

My whole creative process runs parallel with music, it’s often the driving force, matching it to mood and circumstance, which is essential in motivating me. When I was younger I’d make playlists in the evenings, recording onto cassette tape from my CD collection for the next days journey to school. I was obsessed with creating the ultimate playlist, and would draw accompanying artworks onto the cassette sleeves.

Working in a Design studio, music is always a delicate balance between background and motivation. Sharing it with other people with totally different needs, music is always a challenge. We’ll often just settle for a mix to solve arguments over AC/DC or Bonobo. When I work alone on my artwork, I choose music that’s atmospheric, high tempo or something to calm me down and focus.

I have two little girls and our family time often revolves around music and dancing in our living room, singing songs at bath time, or playing guitar together. It really is the most important thing in my life, so passing down that passion for art and music to them is something I value highly.

Tell us about your playlist:

I’ve tried to create a sort of snap shot of my life, represented in the many influences of music I’ve grown to love. 

I wanted to blend instrumental into high tempo beats, representing the change in time, mood, and space that life goes through.