We've been learning lots from other creatives about studio life. We asked Emma Randall, freelance illustrator and one half of Hullo Creative, about her work and her world.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I'm a freelance illustrator based on the outskirts of Bristol, in a little village called Tickenham. I create my illustrations from my barn studio, that I share with designer Suzi Hull from Hullo Creative, aided by many a cup of green tea.
Sometimes I work on my own commissions, sometimes I work under the banner of Hullo Creative with Suzi, depending on what animations and print commissions come our way. I love to work with pattern, bright colours and create quirky little characters with larger than your average head and scruffy fly-away hair. I love children's illustrations, in all it's many forms whether it be picture books, packaging, advertising, editorial pieces for magazines- you name it!
What are you up to at the moment?
Currently I am working on polishing up my children’s portfolio with lots of new pieces, whilst being art directed by a children’s illustration agency. I also use the software Videoscribe to do whiteboard animations for a wide range of clients, from Jaguar Landrover to Yazoo. At the moment I’m working on the an animation with Hullo Creative for the company Oracle.
As well as my commissioned work, I keep up with my own range of merchandise including cards, wrapping paper and notebooks that I sell in various shops in and around Bristol (including Waterstones) and online platforms such as Etsy and Not on the Highstreet.
You're based in Bristol, how is that shaping you?
Being in Bristol greatly inspires me and I’m sure it influences my work. I love the creative buzz of this city and I am constantly discovering new and exciting projects that Bristol artists are getting involved with, such as the ‘Gromits’. Living here has inspired me to create a range of merchandise, and I have met some really lovely people along the way who have offered such good advice about the industry - there is a great sense of an arty community here which I love.
How do the people around you influence your work?
Being in a studio with somebody definitely influences me. As I am naturally more extroverted, having someone to chat and share opinions with is, for me, a vital part of my day. Without Suzi to chat to I think I would become very lethargic by the end of the day, which would have a knock on effect in my productivity and therefore my work. I lose some of the joy when I’m left alone for too long and go a little crazy. Basically, I don’t think it’s safe! Also, the fact that Suzi is a graphic designer is great because it allows us to help each other out during our working days, encourage each other and generally- it’s fun!
What are your dreams for the year ahead?
My dream for the year ahead is to be steadily receiving commissions for children’s based illustration projects, and possibly that I’ll be working on a children’s book to be published soon! Who knows, I’m just going to keep drawing.
If I have learnt one thing though, is that it is great to have dreams - but more important is to enjoy where I am, right now.
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