2024 | Longlist | Book Covers
- pronoun
She/Her - Why did you create this work?
Originally a self-initiated project, I aimed to create a conceptual illustration with geometric elements focused on the idea of diving into a situation without knowing where it might lead. This reflected the book's narrative and developed to suggest themes including the shifting geometry of manipulation and the unpredictable hiding places of vulnerability. - How were your illustrations used?
The illustration was published as a book cover and used online to promote the book. - What materials and techniques did you use?
After some pencil sketching, I created the final illustration in Adobe Photoshop, incorporating paper texture, highlights and shadows to achieve a striking layered composition. I aim to blur the line between computer and paper-cut art to create a concise concept with strong visual impact. - Was this project commissioned?
Commissioned - Commissioner Company
Actes Sud - Commissioner Instagram
@actessud - Agent
Meiklejohn - Agent Instagram
@meiklejohn_ - Personal Website or Portfolio Link
zarapicken.com
- Instagram
@zaraillustrates - X (formerly Twitter)
@zaraillustrates - Biography
Zara Picken is based in Lincoln, UK. She studied at UWE in Bristol. Working across editorial, advertising and publishing, her clients include TIME, The Wall Street Journal and Scientific American. Blurring the line between computer and paper-cut art, Zara works digitally to deliver concise concepts with strong visual impact. - Where are you currently based?
United Kingdom (UK)
