Dark Wave Art and Design

Darkwave is one person working with many. That one person is Matthew Vickerstaff. Founder of Darkwave Art, Darkwave Clothing (get ready for re-launch soon) and Darkwave Records, Press and Promotion with nearly 10 years experience in the business. For a little more history check out the FAQ at the bottom of this text.

If that wasn't enough Matt also works as Peaceville Records UK press officer and creates graphics for the label on a regular basis. Working with bands on every level from unsigned to major artists Matt is always looking for new work so get in touch! In addition to all this work he is also the founder of the Danse Macabre exhibition that saw its debut show in October 2007.

If you want to work with Matt on a graphics/art level then please email him at info@darkwaveart.co.uk if you wish to contact him with regard to demo's for any of the labels he works with including Darkwave Records please leave a message here with your myspace address and a little about yourselves. For all press enquiries please email press@darkwaveart.co.uk

FAQ:

How did you get started?:
I graduated art school in 1999 where upon i started working in a record shop. I used this opportunity to get as many address as possible and send examples of my work to various labels, this didn't really work and it wasnt until i walked into the offices of Nightbreed Records and Earache Records that i finally got some artwork. My first ever Cd cover was for Midnight Configuration and i was paid in 10 copies of the final CD. I later produced artwork for Earache the first being Gandalf and the next being Godflesh 'In all languages' after some time doing freelance work for Earache i was offered a full time position, in all, this took 3 years of working full time and working every waking hour to finally get a position in a record label.

Where have you worked
2000 - 2003 freelance design for Nighbreed, Cop Int, Earache and other commercial work
2003 - 2005 Production Manager and Head of Art for Earache Records
2005 - 2006 Graphic Designer for Kerrang Magazine
2006 - present Full time working owner of Darkwave Art & Design/Clothing/Records
2007 - present UK press officer for Peaceville Records
2007 - present UK press officer for Restrain Records

Do you have any work i can do?:
No, if I have overspill work i will contact designers/artists i already know, please stop asking for work.

Can you help me do my college/univercity project?:
Unfortunately not, i really dont have time to fill out questionaires and supply information that is easily obtained if you look hard enough. No one will help you if you get into this busniess so use this time as a test, if you are determined enough to do this you will find the answers you need.

Do you work with unsigned bands?:
Yes, I'll work with bands on any level. I do take 50% of my fee upfront when doing this due to the unstable nature of unsigned bands, it also helps spread the payment.

Can we borrow some of your artwork?:
No, my artwork is for sale, if a band was to borrow this for a demo then i wouldnt be unable to sell it on as unused artwork. If you want it please pay for it. I will use legal action against those that steal artwork!

Why do we have to pay that much, we are only using it online/we are only printing a few?: The price is the same if its used digitally or in physical print. I put the same amount of time into my work on every project, how you choose to use the finished product has nothing to do with me.

Do you accept other currencies other than £?:
Yes as long as you cover the charges made by the banks/pay pal when transferring cash.

We will put your artwork on the cover of our demo/promo and you will be seen by magazines/bands all over the world. Can you give us free artwork:
No, i do this for a living, please stop asking me to work for free. Next time you are at work please approach your boss and state you wish to work the day for free! And for those unsigned bands that think you are doing me a favor... my artwork is already seen around the world created for by bands willing to pay!

Will you check out my band?:
Yes sure, i'm all up for supporting the underground and unsigned. Please look at the list of bands both here and on my Darkwave Records profile before wasting my time with singer songwriter/hip hop/boy bands etc

Will you manage my band?:
NO

Can you help us find a gig in london/nottingham/uk?:
If I'm working with you on an album then i may do so but i am not a gig promoter and there are several good ones out there. Check my top friends for some of these.

I do my best to reply to all the mesages i get but i am very busy, please think carefully before asking simple questions. Thank you for taking the time to check out Darkwave Art and thanks for all the great messages about my artwork.

Thanks for checking out Darkwave Art and Design