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Challenge 113: Green New Deal: Moving Forward Together
After reading up some more about the Green New Deal, I was inspired by the vision it sets forth. Broad changes meant to better society and the environment we occupy are imperative, and with many different industries and people working together, hopefully we can make this bright future a reality!
Sayada
Interview with Jade Johnson
Next up in our interview series is none other than our group's kid lit specialist, Jade Johnson! Jade's style is as unique as it is fun, with its warm, inviting colors, even line weight, and subtle textures. Whether purely digital, or incorporating her traditional art skills, there's always a consistency of style that makes her artwork instantly recognizable.
“Someday Is Now” interior illustration
Q: Jade, your ability to experiment with traditional and digital mediums, both in combination and separately, while keeping your style looking consistent is amazing! Is this something you do naturally, or is consistency something you've had to actively work on to get to this point?
A: Thanks! I’m glad it comes across that way. Sometimes trying a new medium makes me feel so far removed from what I know that I can’t tell if it fits in with the rest of my work. It can make the perfectionist in me, the part that strives for visible consistency, raise the alarm. I have to trust that my personal style will shine through no matter what medium I’m using, and so far, it hasn’t let me down!
Q: If you had to pick, which medium is the most enjoyable for you?
A: Definitely paint. Putting paint to paper is incredibly satisfying.
“Competitive Swimmer Spots” from Challenge 108: Uniform
Q: What's your illustrating process like, from start to finish?
A: Like most illustrators, my pieces start with thorough research. I gather references in a folder on my phone or laptop and choose the ones that best represent the look I’m after. I usually have a clear vision of what the piece will look like by the time I open Google, so my references are more for historical or technical accuracy than inspiration.
The sketch phase is quick; I follow my intuition and commit to the lines I put down. I’ve found that I’d rather rework an idea over several sheets of paper than overwork a single sketch.
Once I’m content with my sketch, or the client’s chosen their favorite, I transfer it to watercolor paper with my light box. I’ve been working more opaque lately which means I don’t have to be precious about my outline, since I’m going to paint over it eventually, and I can go to town with paint. This part, introducing color, is my favorite.
“Someday Is Now” Book Cover
Q: Is there a facet of the illustration industry that you'd like to delve into that you haven't had a chance to yet?
A: There are so many! I specialize in children’s editorial and book work but there are many markets I’d like to dip my toe in. I’m especially curious about licensing, product design, and greeting cards on top of expanding my reach in publishing.
Q: Have you ever had a great story or experience come out of a project, good or bad?
A: Not so much from a job, but illustration as a whole has opened me up to a world of shows and conferences that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. I had the pleasure of going to ICON9 and was thrilled to connect with my peers (and spend a healthy chunk of my budget on shiny new books).
Q: Least favorite creepy crawly?
A: Amphibians and reptiles of all shapes and sizes. “If it doesn’t have hair, I’m a’scared!”
“Poisonous Caterpillar”
Q: You're cryogenically frozen in ice, Captain America style. What are you most looking forward to experiencing in the futuristic society you wake up in?
A: A device that could translate dog’s thoughts. I want to know what Ernie, who would’ve undoubtedly been frozen with me, is thinking. Then we’d see what the hype about flying cars is about.
Q: Describe your dream project.
A: Debuting my picture book We Found An Island would be a dream come true, but until then, I’d like to try my hand at a middle grade book. They’re long and extensive projects, with the added challenge of working in black and white, but I’m up for it!
“Wet Suit and Abalone”
Q: What shows or music have you been into lately?
A: I’m getting over a nasty cold so I spent the weekend binging Versailles. I’m a sucker for a good period drama. As for music, my Spotify is a mix of indie rock, hip hop, and everything in between. I’ve been listening to Brooke Candy’s Paper or Plastic and Vic Mensa’s Coffee & Cigarettes on repeat.
“Someday Is Now” interior illustration
Q: Favorite type of dessert?
A: I have a huge sweet tooth. I’m hooked on making homemade granola with peanut butter, Medjool dates, and dried cranberries, but my all time favorite dessert is almond cake with white icing.
Jade’s self portrait!
Q: Anything else you would like the readers to know?
A: Nothing that I can think of!
There you have it folks, the lovely Jade! Another great addition to our team. Check out more of her work at http://jade-johnson.com
Challenge 87: Demand Zero!: Aim for Zero
The fact that mankind possesses so many weapons of mass destruction that could easily destroy the world is mind-boggling in the very worst way. My poster design emphasizes that feeling of the earth being a vulnerable target. We should all be in this together, demanding a safer future for our planet and all its inhabitants. Thanks for having me back, Square Carousel! -Sayada
Here is my Wednesday Addams font for the http://www.squarecarousel.com/
Wednesday.
2012, ink and digital
© Mai Ly Degnan
