Photo by Bryan Sheffield

26 year-old designer/illustrator Blake E. Marquis is known for his clean graphic style and elaborate patterns. Based out of New York, he has done design work for clients ranging from Banana Republic to New York Times, as well as personal design work. And he loves him some buffalo wings.

Learn more about this talented illustrator with our Back Talk feature here…

How do you feel right now?

A mixture of stressed and excited. In 4 hours I’ll be on a plane to Europe, where I’ll be for the next few weeks.

If you could wake up in a different place tomorrow morning, where would it be and what would you do?

Some place out of a Thomas Campbell surf film and include eating oysters with my friends.


If you lost your creative skill, how would you see yourself making a living?

Does living off your significant other count?

If you could punch one living contemporary artist, who would it be?

Raymond Pettibon. I read an interview with him where he said he use to wrestle in Mexico. I like a good fight, and I have a feeling after punching him I might be in for one back.

Was your first kiss worth writing a song about?

I’m not even sure if I remember my first kiss. A dare in 5th grade I think.

At what point were you particularly happy?

The days I wake up and realize I don’t need to be anywhere at a certain time.

No regrets allowed, but there must have been one?

Letting myself lose my grandfather’s golf clubs. FML.

What trait do your friends have in common?

Competitive drinking

If you had to evacuate your home or studio, what's the one thing you would grab?

The cash under the mattress.

Greatest love of your life?

Buffalo wings.

What is your favorite vice?

Buffalo wings.

When you blow out the birthday candles, what do you wish for?

Please don’t sing that song to me next year.

If you could play a character from a favorite film or TV show for a day, who would it be?

James “Jimmy” McNulty, right?!

Do you ever lie?

Nope, no way.

Do you think viewers understand the intent of your work?

When I do.

What virtue can you do without?

Moderation.

Do you even notice when you're swearing?

Yes.

What has been your proudest moment?

When I reached day trader status on e*trade.

What would you like to be remembered for?

For how I raised my kids.

How would you prefer to die? 

Like my grandfather, in his sleep… Not screaming like the passenger in his car.