From daily guitar practice to dinner parties that end up around the piano, music plays an enduring role in the lifestyle of illustrator Jeff Phillips.

Illustrator Jeff Phillips moved into his Clifton Hill home over seven years ago, and he hasn’t left since. With its sun-filled courtyard, character-filled living areas and a cohort of creative housemates, it’s not hard to see why.

While his work might require plenty of creativity, Jeff’s curiosity for culture and people mean he’s equally likely to be practicing guitar, taking a life drawing class or hosting a dinner party for friends that ends up in some time around the piano. We love that Jeff’s lifestyle encompasses space to learn new things, to discover new passions and be inspired by all forms of art.

Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jeff Phillips. I grew up in India and my family migrated to Perth when I was 13. I moved to Melbourne about 7 years ago now. I used to have a job in finance but along the way I managed to turn my love of drawing into a really rewarding career in illustration.

Who else lives in this house?

I live with three wonderful housemates. Simon is a mix/sound engineer and Julia is a music supervisor. They’re both fabulously talented and each have their own bands. They are both often off playing shows, either locally or further afield. I caught Simon performing in the US last year. It was rad. From the kitchen to Brooklyn! Finally, Anu is an amazing film photographer who is leaving the house for the UK at the end of this week. She has shot for the NY Times as well as a bunch of other cool clients.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I typically wake up—which is a good start. I knock up some toast and marmalade, or make porridge. While this is happening I’ll either listen to the news headlines on ABC AM or pop on some music. Later if I have a minute, I’ll practice the piano or guitar for about 5 or 30 minutes. Then I’ll head down to my studio, a co-working space called ‘Rotson’ in Fitzroy. I’m there most days unless I have been commissioned to work on-site somewhere.

In the evenings I’ll either return home early to cook dinner, go to my life drawing class or catch up with loved ones.

What do you love about your home?

I have lived here for about 7 years. I fell in love with it on day one. Many have moved in and moved out, but I’ve managed to stick around. My favourite thing about the place is definitely the people—without great humans it’s just a shell. But also it’s quite a pretty shell, full of really wonderful touches of character.

Do you have any daily or weekly habits or rituals around music in your home?

We always have some music playing in the kitchen. Whenever food is being cooked or if we’re having coffee in the morning there is always a tune floating through.

I like to practice the piano in the mornings, usually after checking if anyone is still sleeping—but sometimes I forget and give someone a loud awakening!

What spaces of your home do you play in?

I usually play the guitar in my room at night, or in the garden. The piano is immovable so the living room is usually where things happen. We often have dinner parties that wind up around the piano with a guitar or two also involved. My housemates also play in the living room, but mostly they tinker away in their rooms.

Do you feel like your taste in music has changed over the years?

Yep, it has definitely broadened considerably. Back in the day I was obsessed with seeking out some genre that really identified me as a person, but that never really worked out. I love too many things and I’m constantly discovering more.

You’re at a party and get corralled into playing your guitar for the crowd—what do you play? Do you have a go to song?

I hope this never happens. I do not know how to play a single crowd favourite. They’re all these quiet solo pieces—I’d put the party to sleep!

Tell us about your guitar—where did you get it and what do you love about it? What makes it special to you?

So I have three.

My main one is a Spanish Admira Malaga with a solid cedar top. This one is my go to. It has a great sound, and I find it really easy to play. I spotted someone selling this one on Facebook marketplace for a good price and I just went over and got it right away. I had an entry-level Admira guitar before this, and it’s a step up from the old one for sure.

The other two are both Dad’s old guitars. The first is a 1970’s Kaman Applause AA-31. Dad bought it in the States back in the 70’s. I don’t really play this one too much but it is a special instrument and it has a lot of body (literally). It’s basically an Ovation but before the company was called that.

The other is a 91 Di Giorgio guitar from Brazil, another one of Dad’s. This one is a really beautiful instrument but I don’t find it as easy to play as my other ones.

What's an album you never get sick of?

Hmmm, I kinda get sick of everything after a while. But I always return to what I liked - the breakup is never final haha. Pink Martini’s Hang on little Tomato has been a fave for years. Shostakovich’s Jazz album is lovely too. And Moondog’s H’art Songs. Ah it’s too hard. There’s too many.

And your favourite album cover?

S.Neil Fujitsa’s painted cover of Mingus Ah Um always comes to mind. It is such a wonderful piece of modern art—it matches the music perfectly. He’s done loads of others too but that’s always the one I think of first. 

Any great resources, lessons, books or tips and tricks for learning guitar?

I learned to play from YouTube—and have had tips and help from friends along the way too. I think that the process of learning an instrument is entirely up to the individual. I think this has always suited me because I can learn at all kinds of odd hours, and seek out whatever I want to know. I do think a teacher also offers great value but at the moment I’m happy to learn at my own pace.

Do you write songs and if so can we link to some of them?

I do, but I’m yet to transfer them out of the ephemeral and into some kind of recorded, repeatable format. 

What keeps your musical spark alive?

Concerts and gigs for sure. Every time I experience a performance I feel the urge to rush home and play something. Also just watching artists on YouTube is super inspiring. 

Learn more about Jeff’s work and clients at his website here →

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