Shoreditch Sketcher

Phil Dean (also known as The Shoreditch Sketcher) trained as graphic designer in Leeds, England back when learning to draw properly was essential for the job. Before computers took over, physical drawing was much more part of the creative process than it is today. Over the years, in his roles as a designer Phil gradually drew less as part of his commissioned work and more in his personal sketching work.

His first love is live drawing on location, and the vibrant and eclectic urban landscape inspires Phil to get out and about and capture the cityscapes. Phil sketches at home in London and also wherever he travels, previously sketching on the streets of Zurich, Los Angeles, Malaga, San Francisco, Girona, Florence and Paris.

There is no better way to capture a scene than sketching ‘live’ on location and there is something very true and engaging about the result. A drawing is never intended to be a photographic representation of the subject, but a portrayal of the spirit of the scene, and the very essence of the subject matter is captured in a way that photography never can.

Increasingly Phil is being asked to sketch events and situations where photography doesn’t really do them justice or there is something essential and emotional about a drawing that connects the viewer to the scene, more than a ubiquitous photograph can.

Phil regularly teaches urban sketching workshops and posts drawings from cities around the world using his popular Instagram account, @shoreditchsketcher, which has more than 50,000 followers. His debut book, TATE Sketch Club: Urban Drawing, has recently been published and is available to buy.