I first met London-based designer Mark Ward at college, and I've been impressed (not to mention slightly jealous) to see how successful he's been since graduating. With a client list that reads like a who's who of the biggest brands in streetwear (Nike, Stussy, Medicom, New Balance, DC, New Era and Silly Thing just to name a few), he's still managed to remain not only a nice chap but also refreshingly humble about what he does. Which is why it was unusual to see him thrust into the limelight recently, painting live at his solo show at London's Nike Town store as part of the ongoing 'Year of the Dunk' celebrations (for which he was also commisioned to create a window display for famed sneaker store Foot Patrol). We sat down with Mark to find out a little more about the Nike commision, skateboarding, hamburgers and his recent move into freelance design...

Interview by Will.

Many people will have seen your work gracing Nike Town London and the windows of Foot Patrol. How did the Nike Dunk project come about?

Nike invited me to do it, as they felt my work and background fitted the brief. The whole "Be True" ethos had to stand, and I'm happy they chose me to do it.

What is it about your work that attracted Nike?

I guess my work is heavily influenced by American sports, probably due to it being a complete contrast of what I grew up around. People always want what they can't have. I was never really into football etc. but when Channel 4 started showing American Football on TV, I was instantly hooked. I started studying all the logos and mascots. It opened up a world of imagery that was always out of reach for a kid growing up in England. Then I got into skating, and the graphics again also had a major hold over me. It was all the stuff we were told not to do in art class as a kid, and there were people doing it for product I was buying. I knew I had to get involved somehow...

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