Rabbit 98
Instagram: @rabbit98design
What is your story of fascination with football?
It’s not much of a story but my dad and grampas, uncles, cousins and all my friends were football daft so it was all anyone spoke about. I loved playing it every day at school and after school but I think I loved learning about it more. Learning about clubs and players. I used to spend hours going through Panini sticker books and learning player’s names, heights and previous clubs, learning the capacity of each stadium etc. And even with computer games like FIFA or Football Manager — I’d always spend hours looking at the different players and the bios of club rather than actually playing the game.
Do you create football art professionally or is it a hobby?
Just as a hobby. I draw when I have free time and to stop me scrolling on my phone at night. I always liked drawing and was decent at it but after I left school, I didn’t do it for over 10 years, and started again in 2019 when my wife bought me a drawing tablet for my 30th. That 10 year gap is something I regret though.
What football event or story has made an unforgettable impression on you?
The death of Tommy Burns — a genuine Celtic legend and the first Celtic manager I can remember. The football atmosphere in Glasgow and Scotland in general can be horrible and toxic but 2 Rangers icons Walter Smith and Ally McCoist carried Tommy’s coffin at his funeral and that made a huge impression on me.
Do you attend the stadium, and if so, which team’s matches do you try to get to?
Yes I’ve had a season ticket at Celtic Park for most of my life. Obviously not every game is wild but Celtic Park on a rainy night is something unique — and the atmosphere has played a massive part in some incredible results over the years. There’s a reason it’s nicknamed Paradise.
What are your interests besides football and art?
I’m into music and going to gigs, play a bit of guitar and I used to attempt to sing. Other than that I’m a fan of Guinness, Italy & animals, specifically lions, jaguars and honey badgers.
Could you highlight a few of your works that make you especially proud and explain why?
The Last Supper — A Celtic version of the Last Supper with, in my opinion, 13 of the most influential figures in Celtic’s history including our very own Judas. I actually hated drawing it at the time and it took me forever but it turned out well and now I think it looks class.
Viva Jacynta Brigada — A daft pun on Celtic Women’s player Jacynta & Viva la Quinta Brigada — a Christy Moore song about the International Brigades who fought in the Spanish Civil War — often sung on Celtic buses and in Celtic pubs. I love the link between politics and football and I really like that drawing.
Scotland Young Team — A fun wee idea of Scotland’s current major players as Neds (or Chavs or local miscreants), it’s maybe too West Coast of Scotland specific but it’s good and I felt like I was really progressing when I was drawing it. I’m usually never completely happy with likenesses but I drew John McGinn in about 20 minutes and felt like I nailed it, so I was happy at the direction I was going.
Who are your favourite football artists?
A lot but the 3 or 4 main ones I always look for are @aguycalledminty, @aidancreganart, @madebyfrankiedesigns & on twitter @mshipley24.
Non-football wise I really enjoy with @artyburgers and I love @albenizrodriguez.