Interview:
Why did you choose to enter this work?
Chicken The Cat was my final project of my masters degree in Children's book Illustration. This project is a culmination of everything I have learnt throughout the course and a project I am proud of.
What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
Chicken is based on a real life cat that lives with my friend in Ely, I loved creating a world for this little cat using my favourite techniques and bringing her character to life.
What excites you most about being shortlisted?
To finish my masters and get shortlisted for the WIA2022 is so exciting, especially to have my work seen by so many people and for it to be featured alongside so many amazing illustrators.
Where do you usually work?
I love to draw and get inspiration from the natural world, whether it be Yorkshire where I live or on my travels. I then bring these drawings back to my desk to develop them into final illustrations.
How long did it take to complete your project?
This project overall took about 8 months from the initial research, observational drawings and ideas stage, to the creating the storyboards and final artwork.
What is your dream commission?
My dream commission would be a beautifully crafted children's book with a thoughtful story that would spark the readers imagination.
What’s your favourite thing to draw?
Probably a landscape that has lots of textures and strong lighting that you could imagine being the setting for a children's picturebook.
What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Be patient with the creative process, if a piece isn't quite working don't give up on it straight away. A bad drawing can still have the potential to become your best work if you keep going!
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on developing my portfolio further, draw more and I would love to one day publish my own children's book.
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