You never know
You never know what a client is going to ask you to create. And that’s what makes being an illustrator so interesting and sometimes challenging!
BBC, ITV and Sooty
In fact my creative CV (to coin a phrase) reads quite bizarrely. Before entering the interesting world of illustration I actually worked in television (BBC and ITV), creating models and props. I remember once having to create a rather large, model train engine for the Sooty and Sweep Show, for Thames Television (now I am going back into the mists of time). My neighbours couldn’t believe it when a very large ITV lorry tried to trundle up, what was at the time, a bit of a dirt track to collect it!
I digress…
Before I go too far down memory lane today’s post is meant to be about the more odd and amusing commissions I’ve been happy to work on. Over the years I have created Geeky-looking reindeers, flying mice, dancing cows and opera-loving mice. When it comes to humans, I have created character illustrations from different periods in history and pretty much The League of Nations! I have created editorial spreads on torture (yep, torture) and images of cute hedgehogs in dresses (what? I hear you say).
World on a postage stamp
Really the only aspect of my job that I have found totally exasperating over the years are the amount of requests I get to try and fit the entire world onto a postage stamp! The client wants crowd scenes, but focus on the main characters, an entire cityscape too (but lots of detailing on window frames and patterned curtains, please), they want lights, camera, action! WAIT…! STOP…! NO! I know illustrators can be very clever at times, but everyone, this is too much and your reader would need a magnifying glass or some kind of futuristic, viewing gizmo. Remember less is often more when you want an impactful image or good narrative illustration. Sorry to get on my soapbox here, but I feel this is actually a good bit of advice and saves time.
Anyway, moving swiftly on (clear throat). Here are some of the results (scattered throughout)!
Please do contact me here with your ideas. No idea is too crazy!
