Con McHugh: A journey into textured illustration, playful animation, and big ideas

Con McHugh has built a reputation for his distinctive analogue-inspired, looping animations characterised by hand-drawn imperfections and a rhythm that feels almost musical. In a digital world that strives for polished perfection, his work is refreshingly tactile, celebrating simplicity and the charm of imperfection.

Con's early career saw him working at prestigious design studios in London and Bristol, where the rules and structure of commercial design gave him a solid foundation. But it wasn't long before he felt the need to rebel against that structure. "I spent years following design rules—where everything had to be just so. It taught me a lot, but eventually, I wanted to return to how I drew when I was younger—less perfect, more free," Con reflects. This personal desire to break free from rigid design principles shaped his current hand-drawn style, where imperfections add character rather than detract from the work.

In his home studio in Bristol, Con deliberately avoids a perfectly curated workspace, instead opting for something a little messier—a reflection of his creative process. "I like a bit of chaos; it balances out the discipline of design and has started to influence my illustration work. I love to bring that sense of looseness into my animations."

This approach led Con to his now-iconic style, which sets him apart. His work uses minimal lines, muted colours, and a sense of rhythm that feels organic and unforced. This authenticity has resonated with many others, allowing him to carve out his niche in the animation and illustration space.

A turning point in his career came in 2023 when he embarked on a personal project for the Bristol Jazz Festival. Con designed a series of posters that quickly caught fire on social media, particularly on Instagram and TikTok. His follower count exploded, and commissions followed shortly after. "It was the first time I took complete control of a project—something I really cared about. To see it take off like that was incredible," he shares.

The success of this project didn't just bring him new followers and work opportunities. In 2024, he officially collaborated with the Bristol Jazz Festival, creating that year's poster and even stepping into the role of creative director. "It all started as something personal, and now, I'm part of the festival's creative team. It's a dream come true. My biggest advice to emerging artists is this: don't wait for your dream project to come to you. You have to create it yourself and show people what you're capable of."

Bold, simple ideas define Con's work—often with a clever twist. He strives to create memorable images, making people laugh, think, or appreciate the unexpected. "I love it when something sticks in people's minds. It might be a sketch I did in minutes or something I worked on for days, but if it has a strong idea, that is what matters most," Con explains. His 2024 poster for the Bristol Jazz Festival, where he played with negative space to make a record scratcher double as a microphone, is a perfect example of this.

One of the most compelling aspects of Con's animations is their rhythmic quality. Even when music isn't directly part of his process, his work feels as though it's in sync with an unseen soundtrack. Con notes that his approach to animation is often intuitive. "Sometimes the sound comes later after the animation is done. Other times, the music drives the timing. But I always keep it loose. There's a bit of magic in seeing how everything comes together."

Con's style has developed over the years, but he remains open to experimentation. Recently, he's been diving into mixed-media techniques, blending traditional hand-drawn animation with new approaches. "I'm always looking to push myself creatively. This year, I've started playing around with stop-motion, and I'd love to experiment with projection mapping in the future. I get bored if I do the same thing for too long, so I'm always thinking about where I can take my work next."

For those looking to make their mark in the creative industry, Con offers clear advice: "Create the kind of work you've always dreamed of doing—don't wait for someone to commission you. Your voice as an artist comes not just from your style but from what you care about. When you focus on things that interest you, the ideas flow more naturally."

He also stresses the importance of making peace with what you don't enjoy. "It took me a while to realise that I don't have the patience for overly detailed work. I'm drawn to minimalism because it suits my personality and process. Accepting what you don't like doing is just as important as finding what you love."

By trusting his instincts, being curious, and embracing the messiness of creativity, Con has managed to stay true to his personal passions and carve out a successful career. It's one we'll be keeping an eye on, that's for sure.