Billelis’ Creative Vandalism in the Digital Realm
Billy Bogiatzoglu, also known as Billelis - an artistic alias originating from Billy’s younger years of graffitiing - is a 3D illustrator and animation director based in the UK.
Repped by NERD Productions, Billelis’ art is a constant experimentation, while remaining tightly connected to the themes Billy has explored ever since his fascination with art began - love, death and religion. His journey started from a need for rebellion, and what better way to satiate that hunger than by doing graffiti?
After feeling the camaraderie of the street art world and starting to get to grips with the meaning in his own creativity, Billelis moved on to university, where he found another realm of what he calls ‘creative vandalism’ - experimentation with digital art, creating beyond analogue borders.
Now Billy spends countless hours perfecting his incredibly intricate work, full of darkness and elegance. With a keen eye for detail and bold, contrasting colour palettes, NERD describes his work as ‘hyperreal’.
LBB’s Zoe Antonov spoke to Billelis to find out more about what draws him to explore the darker subject matters of the world, his plans for the future, and the artistic techniques that excite him today.
LBB> Growing up, you were into graffiti. Why were you drawn to this form of expression and how did it define you as a teen? Did it leave a lasting mark on your creative vision?
Billelis> The attraction lay in the rebellion and thrill, yet juxtaposed was the camaraderie within the graffiti crew – my initial experience of being inspired by others, a feeling of belonging, and the empowerment of having a voice.
LBB> And when did you leave graffiti behind, to trade it for illustration and animation?
Billelis> It gradually waned as I relocated to the UK at 18, merging with my studies. In this new chapter, I discovered a fresh avenue for rebellion - the digital art community. Those early days of artists utilising Photoshop for their craft and venturing into abstract 3D design felt like a form of creative vandalism in the digital realm.
LBB> What were the first steps you took towards a professional career in the arts?
Billelis> University, while not directly aligned with my current pursuits, did lead me to discover my true passion. Despite studying programming, which I struggled with, those four years were valuable in revealing my genuine interest - playing around with Photoshop and Cinema 4D.
This exploration continued with the discovery of Zbrush and the development of my unique style. Subsequently, as an art director in the music and sports industry, I honed my skills, creating diverse campaigns from style frames to full-scale motion graphics. While grateful for the experience, I sensed an unfulfilled artistic potential within me, longing to showcase more to the world.
LBB> What were your biggest aspirations at the very start of your career? What challenges did you face in reaching them?
Billelis> Initially, I juggled a full-time bartending gig, unable to envision a career in digital art. The notion seemed alien in the world around me. Yet, even the seemingly insignificant start of creating nightclub flyers and DJ promos was a revelation. It opened a commercial path, teaching me the values crucial for client acquisition, building commercial portfolios, and setting achievable goals.
From the outset, I harboured a clear vision of aspiring to be an artist who, like those who inspired me, could evoke a sense of individuality. Being recognised for a substantial body of work, akin to a visual legacy, has always been and will remain my ultimate aspiration.
LBB> Have inspirations for your creations changed with the years, or have they remained the same?
Billelis> While the fundamental themes of death, beauty, life, and love persist after 15 years in this craft, I'm now eager for fresh concepts and techniques — a sort of Billelis 2.0 vibe. Uncertain about their origins, I remain open to embracing these new creative avenues.
LBB> What draws you to explore the dark subject matters that you explore?
Billelis> Fear shapes my creations - a coping mechanism, a journey of learning to live and finding appreciation for beauty within darkness. It serves as preparation to confront moments of profound darkness in life. To me, death isn't the end; it's a signal, a beacon of memory. While indifferent to the afterlife, I hold a deep appreciation for the romanticism found within darkness.
LBB> Tell me about your fascination with gold detail - where does this come from?
Billelis> I'm not certain if I'm personally fascinated by it, but the world's obsession with gold and riches strikes me differently. I view it as a colour palette, a means to enhance the beauty of what is inherently dark. When you juxtapose this with centuries of religious fixation on gold and bronze - contrary to messages of humility and respect - you arrive at a palette predominantly influenced by precious metals.
LBB> You say you love experimenting with your work. What has been a recent experiment that you really enjoyed? And how do you keep such a consistent style of creating while playing around?
Billelis> In this creative journey, there are moments of frustration, self-criticism, and inner turmoil, but there are also instances of achievement and artistic fulfilment. I believe experimentation is crucial for artists, as the routine can become monotonous. Currently, I find myself in a phase of boredom with my work. Rather than giving up, I aim to play around and rediscover inspiration. Although I maintain consistency in using familiar techniques for lighting and texturing scenes, I recognise the need to unlearn certain habits to evolve and discover the next step in my career.
LBB> Your work is incredibly detailed and intricate - how did you find your place in the commercial world, in a time where detail in design is being increasingly forgotten or traded for 'clean' lines and shapes.
Billelis> That's an intriguing perspective. Minimalism isn't my forte, and there's a noticeable shift toward vintage, retro, and old-school aesthetics, especially in fashion and interior design. In the realm of design, the consequences of continually stripping away elements remain uncertain; however, resisting the trend and not aiming for mass appeal is acceptable. The desire to stand out persists, and I believe details convey a compelling story. Design is more than a commercial endeavour; it is an art form. In my work, which I classify as illustration, I believe details and depth will continue to play a significant role.
LBB> What projects do you find fit your work best and why?
Billelis> From album covers and stage visuals to key art for cinema or gaming, the realm of artistic expression extends to various industries. The collaboration between client and artist opens doors to collectible interpretations, merch, limited edition products, art prints, and more. We reside in an era dominated by collaboration, content creation and growth, exemplified by the influence of social media. Advertising is evolving, and people seek inspiration from those they admire or connect with. Achieving this demands a harmonious balance between the client and the creator.
