Pencil Power
Andrew Green is TankSafe®’s design and marketing consultant. He’s also an author and artist.
We asked him about his role at TankSafe®, art, and why he doesn’t rub anything out.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Strong coffee and the thought: “This is a brand new day – let’s make it a good one.”
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I always try to finish a day by writing what’s been achieved and what needs to be tomorrow. So, first thing, I’ll take a coffee into my studio and read my notes from the day before. It helps to get the cogs turning.
Then it’s down to business, which might be designing a new brochure, creating an animated video, or writing a series of advertisements. This is all led by a communications plan which myself and the directors share, and discuss regularly.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It’s a two-part thing really. Certainly the creative aspect of design and writing. But, fundamentally, it’s helping to make a positive difference. In order to be able to market something, I have to believe in it. TankSafe® products uniquely protect not just truck fleets but the public too.
My father was a haulier and I know the problems he faced with fuel loss due to theft or otherwise. And my son regularly drives on the motorway to his university – fuel leaks and spills cause accidents, so playing a part in stopping them is important to me.
What do you enjoy about being an artist?
It’s very freeing to express thoughts and ideas, and communicate these in any way you choose. For me it’s paint and animation, often accompanied with music and strange sound effects.
What’s your biggest achievement as an artist?
As well as a fine artist, I’m a children’s author/illustrator and often visit schools to speak to children about imagination, making stories and art. A child wrote to me once and told me that before I visited he hated writing and drawing because he thought he couldn't do it. Yet he listened to me and believed in himself, and now loves writing, drawing - and reading.
Who’s your favourite artist?
I have two:
1. Brian Froud, who wrote and illustrated the incredible book, “Faeries” with Alan Lee. He was also the conceptual designer of the Jim Henson films, “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth”.
2. Raymond Briggs – author and illustrator of “The Snowman” and my favourite book – “Fungus the Bogeyman”.
From his book, “Faeries” - Brian Froud
“Sacred”, Andrew Green
Front cover of the children’s picture book,
“Who’s Taken It?” - Andrew Green
https://amzn.to/3M9tAP8
Why do you never use an eraser when working?
Because sometimes the first lines or sketches you make turn out to be the best. If I work over them rather than erasing, the original marks sometimes begin to work. If I rubbed them out they’d be lost. And, for me, it keeps the piece growing and alive – stops it becoming flat.
If you could pick any three famous people in the world, alive or deceased, to have a few drinks with, who would they be?
Roald Dahl, Jesus Christ, Francis Bacon.
What’s on your wishlist for the next 5 years at TankSafe®?
So that truck fleets can prosper without worrying about theft, and roads become spill-free and safer, I believe TankSafe products should be in every truck tank. Fitted at production. Thankfully, it’s happening.
It’s peace of mind - which we all need.