Illustration is something that I have always been interested in. I read a lot of books growing up which were bursting with beautiful, intricate illustrations. Most of the time, the drawing would become the most important part of the story for me. It was the element that would keep bringing me back to the same books over and over again. The illustrator that inspired me to actually pursue the subject as a potential career was Sir Quentin Blake.
I admire his way of working, the child-like simplicity of his drawings that communicate fun, lively and inviting environments and friendly, memorable characters, is in my opinion a perfect combination for children’s literature. His characterisation is a key factor of his illustrations, and has definitely inspired me, particularly during my first year on this course. In the past I have read many articles by Quentin Blake and interviews with him, often about the way he works and how he may approach a project. The materials he tends to use when working are waterproof ink and watercolour, two things which I have also tried in my own work to try and achieve a similar effect. His work seems very doodle-like and spontaneous, which is what I think gives it it’s charm. It would be really interesting to see his workspace and ask him a few questions, so he might be one of the illustrators that I contact while I’m in London.
Seeing illustrators on social media has also influenced my work a great deal. Using Instagram has allowed me to find new, working illustrators and keep up to date with the current work they are doing. So I thought it might be a good idea to create an Instagram page for my own work, to allow me to create interest in a similar way. (https://www.instagram.com/katieelizabethalvey/) I will find a way to link it to this blog properly. One illustrator that I discovered via social media was Gemma Correll. Her work has inspired me greatly as I’ve developed as an illustrator - so much so that I actually have a tattoo of a piece of her work on my arm!
Her work tends to be autobiographical, or involve either cats and/or pugs. An element of humour is always present, which is very appealing to me. I really admire how she is able to take a very simple illustration and turn it into something that everyone can relate too. If you look at the characters in my current work, is it clear to see that she is an illustrator that has really inspired me. A big part of her personal voice is the limited red and black colour palette, that makes her work instantly recognisable. I have been trying to do something similar in my own work by experimenting with very limited colour palettes. Her work has inspired me a great deal, and is probably someone that I would not have come across if it wasn’t for social media - it is a great platform for professional and new artists.
Here are a few of the other illustrators, who’s work I found online, who have all become a great source of constant inspiration.
These are just a few of the working illustrators that I follow on Instagram. It is interesting to see where they all started and what projects they are currently doing. It also gives me the opportunity to contact them with any questions that I may have for this module. Emma Carlisle is a particular favourite of mine, and has just published her first children’s book. She is a former student of Cambridge University - this is where I actually found out about the MA Children’s Book Illustration course at Cambridge School of Art. After researching different course like this one, I have decided that this is something that I would really like to do when I leave university. Therefore, I think I am going to use the research in this module to find out more about the masters courses available in the field of illustration, and maybe even contact former students.
Lastly, on a bit of a side note, I have been doing some research into what exhibitions I could go and see when in London. Tattoo London at the Museum of London, is definitely an exhibition that I want to see if I get the chance. Although it isn’t traditional illustration, tattoos have always been of interest to me and have defiantly inspired me in past projects. Tattooing is also a career that I have considered, and strongly relates to illustration in some ways.
