Artist Mat Maitland On The Joy Of Working Late, His ’80s Soundtrack & The One Place He’ll Always Find Inspiration

You know a Mat Maitland collage when you see one. The London-based creative director’s distinctive style – a sharp blend of digital innovation, with nostalgic references to Surrealism and Pop Art – has earned him commissions from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Bulgari and Hermès, plus top publications including W Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar.

Now, he’s released his debut book, Collages for Magazines – a collection of his most striking collages from the last 15 years. As the book details, with his signature wit, Maitland’s work sits right on the boundary between reality and fantasy. Dazed has even crowned him the ‘artistic heir to the Warholian tradition’.

So what does his creative process look like? From the music that soundtracks his work (spoiler: it’s heavy on the ’80s) to his late-night working partner (another spoiler: his cat), and the legends that continue to inspire him, Maitland shares all...

MY WORKING DAY IS 10-6... but my work often extends into evenings at home. I’m the creative director at the design company Big Active, so during the week, I’m actively involved in overseeing various music projects with the team, while also focusing on my own creative work. I actually cherish those late-night hours, when the world is quiet with no distractions – just my music playing and the occasional curious gaze from my cat. It feels quite magical.

I WORK FROM A STUDIO IN KING’S CROSS... where the area is alive with creativity. It adds even more to the dynamic and vibrant atmosphere of working there. Also, being surrounded by other creative minds is invigorating. There’s something exhilarating about exchanging ideas, collaborating, and generating fresh perspectives in real time.

THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY STUDIO IS ECLECTIC... but when I’m working, I often gravitate toward film soundtracks or ambient music. I find it unobtrusive yet gently inspiring, providing the perfect background atmosphere. It might be Vangelis’ Blade Runner soundtrack or Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works 85-95. I also have a soft spot for Bryan Ferry’s Bête Noire or Boys And Girls albums, for their elegant swagger.

JAPAN CONTINUES TO FASCINATE ME... it exerts an elusive, almost gravitational pull on my creativity. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never visited, so my perception of it remains imagined, shaped and enriched by what I’ve absorbed from Japanese books, photography, films, and music.

MY WORK WARDROBE IS RELAXED... like a big Loewe jumper or a plain Balenciaga hoodie layered over a simple tee, usually from Acne Studios or Ralph Lauren. I also love wearing a few necklaces by Alighieri, which add a personal touch. Depending on the day, I’ll pair that with loose jeans from Acne Studios.

CINEMA TRIPS ARE PIVOTAL TO MY INSPIRATION... more so than any vacation or physical travel. In many ways, they feel like a form of journeying – one that’s far more fantastical and boundless, allowing me to explore realms beyond the constraints of reality. I’m actually slightly obsessed with going to the cinema – it holds a special place in my life. I love how it allows us to completely lose ourselves, immersing us in stories, emotions, and experiences that transport us far from our own realities.

BOOKS WILL ALWAYS SHAPE MY CREATIVE VISION... I’ve been collecting them for over 25 years, and now I have an extensive library of art and photography publications at home, including many rare and out-of-print editions. They’re a constant source of inspiration for me. My work blends elements from the past, present, and future, so I have a particular passion for vintage fashion magazines, as well as classic and contemporary films.

MY FAVOURITE ARTIST IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CHOOSE... Warhol, Grace Jones, Jean-Paul Goude, Eiko Ishioka, Irving Penn, David Lynch, Guy Bourdin, David Bowie – the list is endless. There are so many incredible visionaries who have profoundly influenced me. Each brings a unique perspective that resonates deeply with me.

MY PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT... was leading the art direction, cover image, and design for Michael Jackson’s Xscape album. Growing up, he was my gateway to a fantasy world, and I never imagined that one day I would create a cover for him. It was truly a dream come true.