We catch up with previous AOI Publications Intern and recent Falmouth Illustration graduate Beth Walrond, now successfully working for editorial giants such as The New York Times and The Guardian.
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Computer Arts by Beth Walrond
Who and/or what keeps you inspired?
I look at a lot of photography and take a lot of photos as inspiration. It really helps me to think about composition and capturing a moment, which I can then use to translate my ideas in my illustrations. I also get a lot of inspiration from walking around, observing characters and situations.
You have resided in Berlin for over a year now. How has this move impacted on your career and development so far?
Berlin has completely shaped my first year of freelance illustrating. It is such a freelance friendly place, it seems like everyone is starting their own business or working in the creative industry in some way. Moving to a new city has been great for moments when I have been short on work – there is always something to do to stay motivated and excited, and learning a new place and language is often a very welcome break from what can sometimes be a lonely job. I have also been lucky enough to meet some of my Berlin based clients, which is always great.
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Beth Walrond
Can you tell a bit more about your thought process? What steps do you take when doing a commission?
I always read any text straight away and pull out the main idea that i think needs to be communicated. Then I take myself away from my desk and think about it without anything to distract me, or the daunting sight of a blank sketchbook. As soon as the ideas start coming to me I will begin to draw them down. I go through a lot of bad and good ideas, in the form of unrecognisable sketches and thumbnails before deciding on the ones that work the best. Its a really fun process from start to finish.
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Genome by Beth Walrond
Is you could give a piece of advice to yourself a year ago, what would it be?
To be patient and go for a walk- you never know when the next commission is going to come in, but if you work hard it inevitably will.
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Wired UK by Beth Walrond
What is next for you?
I have just returned from travelling around Thailand, so I am really excited to get stuck back into work. I’m feeling very inspired and have a lot of new personal projects in the pipeline. Apart from hoping to extend my editorial portfolio I would like to push my work towards more advertising and publishing projects.
Portfolio
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