I've recently had my likeness immortalised in a piece of digital art by one of the most prolifically creative people I've had the pleasure of meeting.

In the time that I've known them they have founded two record labels (releasing music by some of the best Welsh artists in the world right now), they've published a physical and online magazine, have played in a couple of amazing bands (These Thrilling Lies, The Vandrells) and has recorded and released their own music under a couple of different guises.

They are now launching their own clothing brand with incredible designs and a unique style.

Please welcome to the Secret Postal Society Guy Challenger...

Hi Guy, how are you doing?

Hey Craig! I’m doing great thank you, I’ve spent the day doodling again which has always been an incredibly therapeutic and relaxing experience for me.

Thank you so much for drawing me - I absolutely love it. You've also drawn a couple of other musicians for this project (the phenomenal James T Morgan and Egg Spectrum) - what made you pick your subjects?

I was having a particularly low day when I drew these illustrations and I was struggling to communicate how I felt so I decided to draw a few portraits of musicians I’m very happy to also call friends, to remind myself that people are there to talk to when I feel up to it.

You have a very unique and distinctive style - how did it come about?

In terms of inspiration as a child I became fascinated with the snowman by Raymond briggs. Around the same time I discovered the illustrations of Quentin Blake thanks to the story esio trot and shortly after Chris Riddell’s works that lived between the pages of the edge chronicles books. As I got older I moved towards abstract art, favourites being: Paul Klee and Mark Rothko. During my years studying illustration firstly at stratford upon Avon college and then university of wales trinity Saint David I was inspired by the artwork and music of Daniel Johnston and Keaton Henson. 

In terms of style I owe a lot of that to the tremor in my hands. I used to draw with more precision but since having to take lithium I now have this side effect. Fortunately I no longer take that specific medication but it has impacted my ability to draw in the same way. It took me many years to develop an art style I’m now happy with and luckily doesn’t feel like a compromise, the biggest part of creating for me currently is enjoying each artworks lack of perfection and being at peace with that.

Where do you get your ideas from?

My drawings usually start off as doodles with no prior planning, i like to share them as a trail of thought or visual diary. Other times i use things i like to say as a jumping off point and then add a drawing to accompany the words. Depending on when i start drawing in the day may have an impact on why I’ve drawn a particular thing too, for example if I’ve had my evening medication the line work will probably be simplified and there will be a lot more colour as I like to create more abstractly in the night.

It looks like these designs have all been created digitally. Is that your preferred medium for art and design?

Yes I find digital art to be a lot more accessible for myself, it allows me to zoom and move around a design without the need to readjust things. This allows me to draw non stop if I fancy it.

From the record labels to the magazine, to your music and now clothing, you're a hugely talented and prolifically creative person - what drives and motivates you to create art?

Art connects people who may not be the loudest voice in a room. I hope through art and creating new things I can learn to understand the world around me better and network with other creatives

Where did the idea for the Coping Clothing brand come from?

Coping Clothing is actually my second clothing line. Back in my teens I designed, screen-printed and ran a clothing line named Capsule Clothing from my bedroom.

When I joined college I stopped the brand but always wanted to relaunch it later down the line.

Where did you get the name Coping Clothing from and is there any meaning or message that you’re trying to get across with the brand?

Coping clothing gets its name from the metal pipe found at the top of a ramp in skateboarding, I chose a name that would be a nod to the skate brands I love and skating in general but also I liked the double meaning of the word coping. I aim for the brand to help start conversations around mental health. Skateboarding and other art forms are all a form of coping I feel. I think the way people dress and express themselves can be a strong way to show solidarity and raise awareness in a simple and subtle way.

That's amazing. Where can people find and buy your awesome designs?

Coping Clothing will be launching in June 2025 for updates on the upcoming store and daily drawings please follow along on Instagram at @coping_clothing

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me Guy and again for the awesome picture of me.

All pictures courtesy of Guy Challenger ©2025