Interview:
Why did you choose to enter this work?
Much of the work I do is botanical illustrations, and although these pen and ink illustrations are also botanical, the way they're being used in packaging is different and innovative.
What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I love the way the illustrations work as a series, and the bright colours the graphics team have chosen for the different products. There's a crispness to the illustrations plus design that I like.
What excites you most about being shortlisted?
Being shortlisted is a real honour, and really validates me as an illustrator. I enter every year and this is the 1st time I've been shortlisted, so it feels exciting. It's good professionally too.
Where do you usually work?
I work in a little studio in my garden. It has a desk overlooking my wildlife garden (weeds) and a PC on the other side. Its just big enough for me, so I can shut the door on the world and focus.
How long did it take to complete your project?
The project is ongoing - each time Fernway bring out a new flavour they commission a new pen & ink illustration. Each illustration takes about 1 hr to draw in pencil & up to 12 hrs to stipple in ink
What is your dream commission?
I love my botanical illustrations being used in packaging, it looks so pretty. But my dream jobs are more academic - i.d. guides, Floras, or David Attenborough's book "A Life on Our Planet" (2020)
What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I adore illustrating grasses and sedges. Such elegant plants. I'm also a sucker for insects, especially beetles. The more minute the detail, the happier I tend to be. Anything plant or animal, really!
What is your best tip for other illustrators?
I think illustration can be isolating, & the hardest thing can be to continue having faith in your work. Keep at it. Draw what you love. Market yourself politely & endlessly. Never sell your copyright
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to go on producing my botanical and animal illustrations until the end of my days. There's tons of natural history & botanical illustration work out there, so fingers crossed I'll be able to!
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