This Illustrator Imagines a Different Kind of Reality

There’s an underlying coolness to Jayson Mars’ illustrations. Known simply as Mars, he defines his style as a hybrid between vintage aesthetic and futurism – seemingly contradicting terms until you see his work. His images are the kind you might find in a dystopic illustrated universe (and boy would we like to read such comics).

Based in Port Elizabeth, Mars says his artistic passion is the result of an epiphany. “On 06 December 2017 I had an epiphany,” he told African Digital Art. “For some reason on that day I realized I wanted to do art and nothing else, I have no interest in doing anything else.”

A man guided by intuition, as much as fate, Mars says he’s always been strict about following his instincts when it comes to both his subjects and color choices. “My art is mostly influenced by emotions and dreams,” he says, “a spontaneous burst of creativity spurred on by my most inner thoughts and momentary isolation.”

As such, he’s inspired by the seen and the unseen. “I am inspired by dreams and people I see around me,” says Mars, adding that he’s obsessed with “capturing the aura of a person who has left a lasting impression on me.” Follow his Instagram page for more.