Tell us a little bit about yourself! When did you start creating?
I have always drawn things, and when I was a kid I did lots of ballet quite seriously and I use to draw bodies and pointed feet, ballet shoes, costumes, face profiles probably wishing I could look like the drawings – ballet world is very critical and if I couldn’t get my leg up as high as others, or do the splits or fouetté turns, I could at least draw it!
I gave up ballet at 17 and it was a big relief to turn to art but then I ended up doing animation (performing drawings?) – which is an absolute drawing overload and perhaps more intense than doing ballet! These days I am feeling more at ease exploring somewhat static illustration – less but more considered drawing, and bringing movement into a still image is preferable to having to animate it – I think my drawing comes from a personal desire to relay what i see and in some way add in some magic, or specialness.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
- Handrawn
- Hopeful
- Lively
Can you walk us through your typical creative process? Do you sketch first or dive straight in?
Sketch when I can, capturing real world moments. If I spend time drawing landscapes or plants or people – they invariable find their way into whatever I’m exploring. I can drop a landscape in behind a new character to see how they look in a drawn world.
What creative conundrum have you had in the past six months and how did you solve it?
Digital or analogue – I’ve really been thinking this through and the outcome is, a bit of both! Really world drawing and painting super charges an image with depth, and humanness – but my iPad Pro, Apple Pencil and procreate add flexibility and effects to enhance the drawn work. I have to be careful though – too much digital begins to kill the life in my images.
What can a client do to help you when briefing?
Point to something they’ve seen in my work that they like and want more of. This is very helpful to be specific – and then I can explore around that point of reference. There are so many variables It’s great to have a key/ hero image to work to.
Draw yourself as a character in your favourite book, tv show or film!
I loved Little house on the prairie – the book, the tv series – as a little girl I wanted to live it. Hobnail boots, woodsmoke, wolves lurking
Time for some quick fire questions…
What is your drink of choice?
Black coffee.
What is a song that makes you want to get up and dance?
Despite years of ballet, I’m a rubbish dancer – but singing in the car is more me. Can’t help but sing along to Lizzo, About Damn Time! But only if I’m on my own.
How would you describe your agent, Lucie Ludds, in five words?
- Energising/Sparkly
- Perceptive/Intuitive
- Professional
And finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’d give to an illustrator just starting out?
Stop worrying about what other people might think of you, easily said than done I know – INSTEAD reframe it to – what do you think of you? This is something I’m checking in with myself regularly.
