In an age of instant everything, hand-drawn illustration is a quietly defiant act. There’s something deeply human in a line that isn’t quite perfect. Analog illustration—the kind that leaves graphite smudges on fingers or the scent of ink in the air—holds soul. It’s tactile. It’s textured. It has weight.

Much like the revival of heritage craftsmanship in menswear, traditional illustration is experiencing its own renaissance. Artists are returning to engraving, woodblock prints, and classic pen-and-ink techniques to recapture that lost sense of depth and imperfection—what we might call character.

There’s a parallel here with tailoring: when you run your hand across a finely woven herringbone, you feel its story. In the same way, when you trace the lines of a hand-inked character sketch, the weight of the artist’s hand, the time spent, the story being hinted at—it’s all there. Physicality matters. It roots us in something real, something lasting.

Building a world with a single image character illustration doesn’t end with the figure—it’s about everything around them. A great illustrator is part artist, part architect. Every object, texture, and shadow carries narrative weight. An unrolled map on a desk, a half-burnt candle, a boot caked in Highland mud—these aren’t just background details; they’re chapters waiting to be read.

Artifacts in a portrait—a silver-handled hunting rifle, an heirloom compass, a scarf tied in a soldier’s knot—carry subtext. They reveal vocation, legacy, even regret. And environmental storytelling, from mist-draped mountains to the amber light of a study, locates the character not just in space, but in time and tone.

This kind of layered storytelling draws from a rich tradition. Think of Victorian-era adventure engravings or the faded edge of a Tintin comic. Illustrators today carry that torch, blending timeless technique with modern tools to build immersive, character-driven worlds that speak to both history and imagination.

Enter Joseph Tate—An Artisan of Character & Storytelling

The talented illustrator Joseph Tate and his works

At this intersection of art, identity, and narrative stands Joseph Tate—an illustrator whose work feels less like a drawing and more like an encounter. Each of his characters holds weight. They live on the page—scarred, smug, noble, or enigmatic—with eyes that follow you and stories you want to chase.

His style, a marriage of old-world detail and modern intentionality, reflects the very soul of Arc & Iveagh: thoughtful, timeless, and steeped in craftsmanship. Joseph doesn’t just sketch—he conjures. His illustrations are not portraits, but portals.

We sat down with Joseph to explore how he brings characters to life, what inspires him, and why the hand-drawn tradition still matters in a world that often prizes speed over soul.a

Now, step into his world.

Fine Lines & Tall Tales | Chapter 1: The Artistry of Joseph Tate

Welcome to the inaugural chapter of Fine Lines & Tall Tales, a series dedicated to exploring the extraordinary journeys of individuals who embody the spirit of Arc & Iveagh. I approach this new venture with equal parts excitement and humility, balancing my enthusiasm with the challenge of stepping into storytelling—a realm where I may feel like a novice.

This series springs from my passion for connection and the remarkable individuals I've encountered along this journey. Initially, my quest began on Instagram, where I stumbled upon the captivating illustrations of Joseph Tate. His work encapsulated not only style but character, drawing me in with a magnetic pull.

Joseph Tate's whimsical and sophisticated illustrations

Intrigued by his artistry, I reached out to discuss the possibility of developing a fictional character that would embody the essence of Arc & Iveagh. What followed were enlightening conversations that ignited the creative process—voilà, Jasper was brought to life!

Joseph is not just an illustrator; he has a way of etching personality into every character he creates. I had the great fortune of sitting down with him for an engaging interview that revealed the depth of his artistry and the passion that drives him.

A Passion Ignited

Joseph traced his path to illustration back to his early years in Nigeria. As a child, he was always drawing, but it was a pivotal moment when his father encouraged him to create a portrait of the president that sparked his true passion. This experience lit a fire within him, inspiring Joseph to realize the power of art to convey meaningful narratives.

However, like many of us, life led him on a winding path. Pursuing a degree in computer science momentarily placed his artistic aspirations on the back burner. Yet, Joseph never forgot his love for drawing. When he stumbled upon the burgeoning world of menswear on Instagram, he found an unexpected outlet for his creativity, allowing him to channel his artistic vision and connect with a growing audience.

The Influence of History & Literature

Delving deeper, Joseph revealed that his influences range from literary titans to philosophy. He often draws inspiration from thinkers like Thomas Carlyle, whose concepts of identity and self-expression resonate with his artistic approach. For Joseph, clothing is more than adornment; it’s a vital storytelling device that conveys deeper narratives.

His illustrations carry a rich sense of history and depth, inviting viewers to engage with the stories behind each character. "I want my work to embody a narrative," he noted, underscoring how every piece reflects an underlying story of its own.

Building Worlds

Joseph’s characters do not exist in isolation. He is keenly aware of the worlds they inhabit. “Each character should fit into a broader narrative,” he explained. “They are woven into a larger fabric of storytelling.” This philosophy aligns beautifully with the ethos of Arc & Iveagh, where we strive to create garments that tell stories, allowing wearers to engage with their own narratives.

When we discussed the creation of Jasper, Joseph’s excitement was palpable. He skillfully merged our conversations about Jasper’s character, personality, and aesthetic into a cohesive visual interpretation that resonated with the spirit of Arc & Iveagh.

The Dream of Collaboration

Introducing Jasper

Collaborating with Joseph proved to be a rewarding experience; his dedication to capturing the essence of Jasper was impressive. “My approach to collaboration is all about dialogue,” Joseph shared. “When you described Jasper, I could see him in my mind. The challenge was to bring that vision onto paper while remaining true to his identity.”

The Balance of Tradition & Innovation

In a rapidly changing artistic landscape dominated by digital technology, our conversation turned to the enduring significance of traditional artistry. Joseph spoke with conviction about the innate value of hand-drawn illustrations in a world increasingly inundated with AI-generated images. “Handmade work carries the human touch,” he asserted. “It offers a depth and authenticity that digital creations often lack.”

This perspective resonates deeply with our mission at Arc & Iveagh—celebrating craftsmanship and embracing the stories that arise from the human experience. Joseph’s reflections strike at the heart of what we do, reinforcing the importance of artistry in a world that often favors the quick and easy.

What’s Next for Joseph

As our conversation drew to a close, Joseph’s enthusiasm for the future was truly contagious. It sparked reflections on my own journey, however new it may be, and ignited inspiration through his remarkable passion, creativity, and vision.

He discussed his upcoming exhibitions worldwide, from a successful show in Abuja to an anticipated event in Lagos. He’ll have a number of exhibitions throughout the world—Tokyo, London, and many other cities. You’ll have to give him a follow @josephtate_official or check out his website www.josephtateofficial.com to stay up to date on all his adventures and new characters.

He’s also enthusiastic about collaborations, hinting at partnerships that promise to bring his artistic vision to new audiences—of which we will certainly be a part.

Reflecting on our time together, I was reminded of the richness of storytelling—not just within art, but in the lives of those we encounter. Joseph Tate beautifully embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and creativity, making him the perfect first profile for Fine Lines & Tall Tales.

As we continue to explore the journeys of remarkable individuals, I invite you to celebrate the artistry and the tall tales that shape our world. Here's to inspiration, connection, and the stories waiting to be told.