DRAWN BETWEEN THE LINES: McBESS

The French Illustrator Talks Dead Pirates And The Curvy Appeal Of Betty Boop Cartoons
By Chantelle Symester

McBess aka Matthieu Bessudo is the multi-talented illustrator whose work has been featured in every place and on every medium you can think of, from limited-edition t-shirts to Nissan car adverts. Born and raised in France, McBess now resides in London, splitting his time between his illustration and animation projects and his other love, music. Founder of a fresh and original illustrator crew called Salle Polyvalente, the über creative gent spoke to Topman GENERATION about his inspirations, up-and-coming projects and dead pirates…

Topman GENERATION: What first sparked your interest in animation/ illustration?
McBESS: Well, I've always been into drawing and I went to study 3D animations because I wasn't interested in anything that I learned at school. Then I met people that were into illustration and they introduced to a new world. These guys are now some of my best mates, and we've never stopped drawing since, although most of us stopped animating as it's very tiring. 

Topman GENERATION: Your style references the classic Fleischer Studios-style cartoons, yet remains fresh and modern. What influences your work and why?
McBESS: The fresher influences like Mark Ryden, Dave Cooper, Chris Ware and Kid Acne are artists I discovered in school. I started to copy their style because I love it so much. I learned a few things along the way, one of which is that you should have your own personal references – it doesn't have to be super original but it should be deeply rooted. So, I thought back to what made me start drawing as a kid and it was those old Betty Boop tapes that my dad had; all the classic Fleisher as well – the curves, the dark mood, they've always fascinated me. I took that on-board and after years of digesting that's what I threw up. 

Topman GENERATION: You’ve previously produced work for print and film animation is there a medium that you prefer?
McBESS: I love both, I think I like animation more but it's very hard to keep control of everything, unless you're alone and then it's very hard to finish it without it taking three years… Print work is a lot more instant, it's very quick and gratifying, and I hope I can do another animation soon, though.

Topman GENERATION: What projects are you currently working on?
McBESS: Well I've got a show in Paris in March and 30 pages to do in a small magazine before that. I'm also working for Amnesty International on a really, really cool project.

Topman GENERATION: Tell us a bit about the illustration crew you founded called Salle Polyvalente…McBESS: Well, as I said previously I learned a lot from my comrades in school and most of them came to London. I thought it would be cool to recreate a bit of the school mood by reinstating deadlines, themes and pressure. Surprisingly, it's still alive and will hopefully become unstoppable. It's full of people way more talented than me (laughs).

Topman GENERATION: You’re also in a band called The Dead Pirates, would you ever give up illustration to pursue music full time?
McBESS: If I had to choose, yes probably, music is more risky and lively. It’s such a strong feeling to play with mates, to create in the instant, it's also super-frustrating but that just makes the moments that work even better.

Chantelle Symester is the acting deputy editor for Topman GENERATION and writes for DazedDigital, It's Rude To Stare and SoulCulture. Follow Chantelle on Twitter: @csymester