Designer Joseph Bennett talks Alexander McQueen, HBO’s Rome and eels in condoms

Did you always want to work in the creative field?

I’ve always loved drawing – in fact, my mother’s an artist. When I was younger I studied veterinary science for two years. It was during that time when I realised, actually, what I wanted to do and what I loved about it was drawing the diagrams with all the bones. And so I changed paths, and luckily enough, I got into Chelsea School of Art to do painting. So I studied fine art painting, which is great. I did a lot of portraiture and I just drew from life for three years.

How did you transition from drawing and painting to set design?

Painting’s quite an isolating job. It’s quite insular. You’re in a studio and you have to figure what it is you want. Funnily enough, I ended up working with a friend on music videos, short films and those kinds of projects because I like making spaces and experiences. It’s a way to transport yourself to anywhere you like. We can be in ancient Egypt, or inside your mind, or in someone else’s thoughts. I find that interesting.

What were some of your earlier, more unconventional projects?

I’ve worked with the guy that did videos for English rock band The Cure many years ago as his assistant. And he has a particular way of working. One time, we filled up a thousand condoms with water and put eels in them and shone light through them to make shadows. So there would be crazy ideas like that. That was great for someone like me – a young person who could hardly afford the money to buy a canvas and paint! To suddenly have someone who will go “here’s £100, go and buy 300 eels” was an experience I really enjoyed.