Preston Paperboy Biography
Working in mixed media and building up buzz about his work via social channels like Instagram, Preston Paperboy is a truly modern artist. His self-described “neo-expressionist” artworks take cues from his urban surroundings, as well as popular culture, and his views on the current state of the world.
Paperboy’s unique style blends the pragmatic structure of photorealism with the colourful vitality of abstract expressionism. Using a broad array of mixed media, Paperboy has separated himself from other artists by creating complex, textured portraits with vibrant colour schemes.
Born in England, Preston studied architecture at Brighton University, but upon graduating, shifted career-paths to focus his creative energy on pursuing his passion of creating art and developing a personal brand. The distinct “Smiler” logo, featured on all Paperboy’s work, is a nuanced signature that represents his growth as an artist -- the face’s sad smile and single tear a nod to his past and his ongoing battle with depression -- the $$ eyes a reminder to not let wealth or fame cloud his vision as an artist -- and the three lines overhead a symbol of the light and peace he’s found on his artistic journey.
"Usually, a centrepiece in all my large scale works - the individual eye. There is a science behind the brain mechanics and the human eye; left and right serving a different purpose.
"The left eye is a window into someone’s soul; it tells us their real story. This is why I predominantly paint the left eye - to tell the truth. (Some people just see a pretty eye and I’m fine with that too).
When I leave the viewer to fill in the gaps, there is no right or wrong.” Preston Paperboy