Step into the sunny world of illustrator, Sonny Flynn

Step into the sunny world of Sonny Flynn, the queer illustrator and designer using his art form as a tool for cultural and political satire, and - above all - to ‘make people smile’. It is through his vibrant creations that Sonny playfully challenges heteronormative society, whilst joyfully celebrating his identity and the community he belongs to. Sonny welcomed us into his colourful East London home, where we talked about his love of yellow, why he will always voice his opinions, and why illustration lends itself so well to queer protest and activism. 

What was your path to becoming an illustrator and what initially drew you to it as an art form?

Originally, I had these grand ideas of being a more traditional painter or "fine artist", but that totally flew out the window when I went to study my foundation year and discovered illustration. I was drawn to how illustration is a lot more literal and direct in its approach, and that there is none of the seriousness or rules that can sometimes surround other practices.

How do you express yourself through your art?

I choose to express myself through my art by expressing my queer identity and the community that I belong to. Much of my work explores queer identities, leaning into protest and activism. That’s all mixed in with a little bit of satire, and a hell of a lot of yellow!

Much of my work explores queer identities, leaning into protest and activism. That’s all mixed in with a little bit of satire, and a hell of a lot of yellow!\n

Sonny Flynn

How would you describe your relationship with colour? 

My relationship with colour is pretty ingrained in me. I love bright colours. This probably goes back to my childhood, when my mum used to dress me in the brightest, most ridiculous coloured outfits (so she didn't lose me). Some people probably find this a bit manic but I never complained - I loved it!

What is the role colour plays in your work?

Colour plays a huge role in my work. In essence, I just want to create work that makes people happy, so that’s why I like to use really bold colours.

Are there certain colours that you’re drawn to?

There is definitely a colour palette that I’m drawn to in my work. It's mainly the primary colours that I like using the most. They contrast well against each other. And then on top of that, I just love the colour yellow. It’s so joyful and bold. I’m kinda obsessed with it, which is a bit ironic considering my name is Sonny. 

You describe your art as an outlet for you to express your identity. Why do you feel illustration lends itself so well to queer storytelling?

I think because there is a rebellious nature to both. Historically, illustration has been used a lot in protest and activism, two things that are at the very core of queer culture, a culture which is itself a rebellion against heteronormative society. 

Do you feel a satirical tone of voice helps balance the seriousness of themes that are often at the heart of your work?

I just want to make people smile and if I can use my work to voice opinions or speak up, I will always do so. I think the satirical nature helps the message of some more serious themes become more digestible and easier for people to understand.

I just want to make people smile and if I can use my work to voice opinions or speak up, I will always do so. \n

Sonny Flynn

Who or what have been the biggest artistic influences in your work?

Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Mark Ryden for sure. When I was younger I had an obsession with surrealism, specifically Salvador Dali. I wouldn’t say I am or was inspired by that style of art, however, but rather the idea of creating a world that isn’t real, a fantasy that you could almost live inside of. I love the escapism.

Your illustrations have made their way onto paper, clothing, furniture, skateboards, and more! What is your favourite medium to work with? Is there one you’d like to try?

I love the idea of wearable art, so I really enjoy working on textiles and clothing. However, I’d love to experiment with scale and maybe try murals. Not sure my landlord would be quite as enthusiastic about that though!

And lastly, how do you feel in the pink jumpsuit?

I feel great in the Pink 04 jumpsuit! Pink has a feminine sensibility to it but both the shape of the jumpsuit and the muted tone of Pink 04 feel a bit more masculine, which neutralises it a bit. On that pink spectrum, you could say I sit somewhere in the powder pink realm, between the two. 

Check out Sonny’s Instagram for a daily dose of colour, and his website for latest works.