Learning to illustrate for picture books.

I studied illustration at university, where children’s illustration was always something we were encouraged to consider. At the time, however, I was convinced I could not produce anything convincing, and I do not think I fully understood the difference between illustration as a career and simply having an illustrative style. I tended to work more like a fine artist, albeit with an illustrative sensibility. My primary aim was always to make images I felt drawn to in the moment, and I did not enjoy working from briefs or illustrating the words of a story.

Recently, I have been looking back at my original inspiration for becoming an illustrator, such as the work of Lauren Child (specifically my Clarice Bean collection) and Ian Beck (whose illustrations of The Jumblies I pored over for hours as a child). I realised that I did want to illustrate a children's brief, and that perhaps my idea of not making ''anything convincing'' was actually me avoiding pushing myself creatively.

Around this time, a friend showed me a competition brief inviting new illustrators to design children’s book spreads. It felt incredibly timely, and although I am not entering my work into the competition, I was drawn to the idea of the story and decided to give it a whirl.

Through pushing myself to try this, I have come to realise that there is something exciting about being told exactly what a client wants, while also pushing my imagination in a direction I might not reach without that starting point. Every year since graduating, another lesson from university has finally clicked into place, and this is another of those moments.

I don't think this is work that feels entirely like me yet, and I do think I need some time to mull over which techniques I need to pare back or carry forward. However, it is exciting to have the opportunity to play with materials and just see where the page takes me. I loved working on the intricate details of leaves and the texture on trousers, and it proved far more enjoyable than I had anticipated.

The brief was set by Children’s Book North, and can be seen here if you fancy having a go!

If you have any resources you would recommend, do let me know. I would be very grateful,

Martha

Ps, I have since illustrated the first image, to celebrate the many fairies I have seen in paintings this year!

My 12 Week project

I often tell people that I make art for fun. That’s not strictly true, but it’s an easy way to sidestep deeper conversations about my art as a form of work. In truth, I don’t always find creating fun. Drawing and printmaking feel more like something I have to do, like breathing. It might sound dramatic, but when I go too long without drawing, I start to crave it, the challenge, the frustration and the strange satisfaction of pulling something out of a blank page. I make art because I need to. It helps me feel like myself. Still, it’s simpler to say, “I do it for fun.” 

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I might shape a small body of work with purpose. So, I set myself a goal: 12 weeks.

Now, 12 weeks later, I’m glad I did. I put aside two evenings each week to make something in my sketchbook.

Some weeks, I gave myself little challenges, such as visiting an exhibition or joining a new life drawing group. It was a bit jam-packed, but it sparked something new, curiosity, mostly. I also set broader goals, like experimenting with different materials and completing an A2 piece.

The final challenge I gave myself turned out to be the hardest: sharing my work with others. Fortunately, that week coincided with my local sketchbook social, and so I went along. When people asked to see my work, I hesitantly handed over my sketchbook, but eventually realised it was not as awful as I had feared. It felt like the piece I’d been missing: community. A space to talk, to share and to listen. I left with a list of suggested sketchbooks, pencils, and new cafes to explore, and more importantly, I have a renewed trust in my creativity.

As for my 12 weeks, I still have a few days left. So far, I’ve filled my sketchbook and finished my coloured pencil A2 poster, much to my amazement.

I’m already making plans to start the process again, with a clearer sense of what works to keep me on the path of learning.

I’m really proud of myself for turning the need to create into something tangible. Earlier this year, I struggled with creative block, and it feels good to have moved through it.

I wanted to share this little ramble for anyone who might need a nudge to try something new, or to go beyond the occasional scribble, or to take a leap toward community and connection.

Be kind to yourself,

Martha

My journey with art

I have an intrinsic relationship with art; however, at times, I fall into the rut of not creating anything.

To combat this, I’m relaunching my blog to use when I can’t find inspiration and of course, you’re welcome to join me on this journey.

This week, my inspiration came from meeting a bookshop cat and learning how to knit socks for the first time.

I hope you’re all well, both old and new readers. Do let me know what you’re enjoying or making this week.