Surf Coast artist rides a wave of talent

Jake Ross is an artist, illustrator, and former Surf Coast resident making waves on the international art scene.

If you haven’t noticed his designs for big brands such as Vans, Victoria Bitter, Pyzel Surfboards, Stab Magazine, or Skullcandy, you’ve probably seen his art on the Surf Coast for Gypsy’s Lunchbox and Blackmans Brewery.

Ross is down-to-earth and comfortable in every circle, designing for the world-famous and the locals with equal enjoyment.

He describes his style as clean and commercial, but personal.

“Contemporary pop art screams to mind when I think of my style.

“Really soft colours, friendly and warming to a dark monochrome line, the juxtaposition of black and pantone, it’s strange.

“Oh, it’s hard for me to nail down where I get the inspiration from, I have artists that push my creative limits and competitive spirits for sure, like Kaws, Steve Harrington, Kentaro Yoshida, Lucas Beaufort and Ben Ross, but I think the one that makes me think the most is Dr Seuss. I always think ‘How can I turn this more creative, more ‘wow’?’

“With a clear mind… inspiration fruits from all sources.”

But contemporary pop art is not where Ross has always pictured himself doing, and his journey into the world of art was as roundabout as it gets.

“I’ve lived a billion lives, but I’ve never been clearer in the goals I want to achieve,” he said.

Early in life, Ross dreamed of pursing football, but after an injury he joined the military as a counter-terrorism officer.

“While in the military, I always had a creative bone, and decided to study at Billy Blue Art college and studied communication design. I fell in love with it all over again.

“Then I worked within an underground agency when I was injured in the military, I was working at Stab Magazine and then got asked by the founder if I’d come over and work with him. We used to set up huge art installations with those guys and then I thought ‘Why don’t I try to do it myself?’

“I haven’t looked back.”

Since then, Ross has quickly built an impressive portfolio, working with several prominent brands and securing a permanent partnership with Vans and Victoria Bitter.

“I’ve been a professional artist or creative for three years now, and drawing only because it makes me feel good,” Ross said.

“I have worked with some of the raddest people in the world in my eyes, I get to meet with the creative team of Vans every week, and they all blow my mind.

“Angus Stone gave me some land in Byron when I went and stayed with him, for painting his skate park. That was a heavy week, partying for a whole week and trying to paint every day.”

Ross said most of his industry connections still come from meeting people out and about, bumping into someone in the surf, or doing some other mutually appreciated activity.

“Victoria Bitter is such a rad company, I have loved every project with them. I had one of their contacts from a previous job I did with the military, and was out at the surf club in Torquay – I drunk-dialled them and said ‘You have the best beer, I could do something really rad to your creative’, and they asked me what I’d do, and how much it’ll cost, and I gave them the price and idea. I can’t believe that was four years ago and we’ve done six projects together now.

“I was flown from Mexico to California to meet Justin Bieber – that was pretty cool – but I think nothing trumps the Vans calls, I get to bounce ideas from some of the most creative people in the world; super fun.”

Nowadays, Ross lives in Bali with his partner Ellyse, surrounded by a community of artists, surfers and creatives.

He moved for the waves but found an oasis of creativity and community, and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.

“I had no idea I’d stay here for this long, but I’ve got a studio set up, some workers here, a great bunch of mates and a beautiful partner, so I’m definitely not complaining.”

His military-style daily routine consists of a 5.30am wake-up, work and research, off to surf or exercise, then meetings, followed by nasi goreng, and then painting or drawing for the rest of the day.

“It usually ends on a cocktail at sunset with Ellyse or watching some pretty crappy Netflix shows to fall asleep to,” Ross said.

“Nothing better than getting away diving, walking, surfing with her; she’s great, and an awesome support.”

Ross isn’t sure where life will take him in the next few years, but he’s looking forward to the adventure.

“I’m setting up a show now that’ll take me around the world for the next three years with Vans and Potato Head, I’m setting up a tour around USA right now with Yeti, and heading to Amsterdam in a couple of months to scope out a building for some private shows throughout next year,” he said.

“I’d say my desires for the next 10 years would be galleries around the world, solo shows in New York, Paris, Melbourne and Mexico City, and collaborating with super fun brands, releasing books upon the way, but if I break down what I’m doing right now, today, it’s the same goals as the next 10, it’s the same pins I’m knocking down.”

“So I guess to answer super-shortly: doing the same thing, implementing what I’m working on now, and working harder on getting where I want after those years are up.”

But Ross said at the end of the day he saw himself eventually settling on the Surf Coast, and most of his long-term dreams are more close to home than his career goals.

“A little side answer that I think is more important than work would be starting a family and watching the kids at their first surf comps or first footy matches.

“I can’t wait to settle down in the Surf Coast.”