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Website:
www.illustrationweb.com/annewilson.html
How did you get started in the
illustration field?
I studied art first at Alevel and then went on to do a degree
in illustration graduating when I was 21yrs. This gave
me a good portfolio to start with and it was then a question
of calling anyone and everyone in the industry and taking
my folder along to begin generating interest in me and my
work. |
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How did you find
your style? Has it changed since you started?
My style probably started really evolving when I began studying
for my degree. I found that the more I thought about
what my style should be the more I felt I was forcing
it along. It was only when I relaxed into my work and started using
materials and techniques that I enjoyed and experimenting
with them I found my style came to me. Whilst I was
studying for my degree I found that I particularly
loved printmaking and collage which are the two main techniques
I am continuing to enjoy today.
What
is your process when working with clients? Can you run us
through a typical job?
I usually get a call from my agent letting me know about
a job, the deadlines and the fees. I then get in touch with
the client to have a chat and find out more about their
thoughts, find out deadlines etc. I then usually have to
produce a rough in black and white. Once this is approved
I move on to the colour final. |
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What is your creation
process (start with sketches, etc…)?
I start my researching any imagery if needed such as cultural
things or anything specific. I use the internet, books
and wherever possible draw from life. I use this information
to produce sketches working out any characters and
compositions and so on. Once these are approved I then experiment
with colour combinations and textures using various
techniques such and monoprinting paint and ink washes
and collage. I like to construct my work through creating
layers. I usually post my original artworks to the client
if they are large or if they are under A4 size I scan
and email it to them. |
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How do you market/promote
your work?
I found my agents near the beginning of my career after
graduating. They spend lots of time promoting me through
online portfolios, mailers and meeting lots of clients.
They represent me world wide in America Europe and the UK.
Because they are doing most of the networking, this
leaves me time to get on with the creative process.
Even though they do take a percentage of each commission,
I find having them represent me worth it as networking
and searching out more clients takes up lots of time. |
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What was one of
your favorite assignments?
I love doing children’s books. Each new one I complete
I try to make better that the last. One of my favourites
recently completed was ‘Tales for Toddlers’
Barefoot Books published last year – my longest children’s
book at 100 or so pages!
What
is the best part about what you do?
I mostly enjoy experimenting with collaged papers and creating
different patterns and colour combinations.
Describe your work setting.
I now work in a little studio I had built at the bottom
of my garden. It is lovely in the summer with the doors
open looking back at my house and the plants. It is
very peaceful unless I am playing loud music and a good
place to escape and work. By walking to the bottom
of my little garden I can separate myself from my life
in the house and clear my head. |
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Do you have side
projects you work on?
I try to always be thinking about personal project –
they really help me push my work further and I can
freely experiment with them. Sometimes I paint about my
personal journeys and experiences or think about stories
to produce in the future. Last year I finished studying
for an MA in illustration – this was great as
I was able to fully dedicate my thoughts to some personal
work for a while. I have recently tried exploring folded
illustrations and 3d illustrations.
How
do you maintain balance in your life between work and play?
Having a separate place to work really helps. I am not the
best at getting the balance equal – I love my
work and before I know it I have spent lots of time doing
it! I am getting better now as I have recently had a little
girl (Ella) and enjoy spending lots of my time with
her. My work now mostly gets done when she is sleeping!
Depending on how many deadlines I have on at any one time,
I
try to take a complete day or two off each week to clear
my head and spend time with my friends and family.
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Do you ever have
creative slumps? What do you do then?
Creative slumps do happen although if I am working to a
brief it is usually pretty clear what the client wants,
or if it is a book there is a story to follow so I
tend to overflow and have a change of scenery or do some
exercise as this can really clear your head!
What do you do for fun/when you're
not working?
For fun I love playing with my daughter and going to visit
places with her and my family. I enjoy going to the
gym and also catching up with old friends.
What
has been inspiring you lately?
As you might guess, my baby daughter Ella has been inspiring
me lately, and also as it is the beginning of summer
here, the sunshine has been most inspiring –
how British! It makes me think about travelling and hot
places! |
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Any advice for
others who are pursuing creative goals?
My advice to other illustrators is to make sure you enjoy
your working process. There may be some jobs which
you are not inspired so much by but if you keep personal
work going and experiment with techniques to push your work further
you shouldn’t feel stuck in a rut. Keep plugging away
at networking and talking to clients you never know
when the phone my ring next. Be as
organised as you can with your contacts and client lists
and above all be yourself and ‘can do’
with them!
Thank you very much, Anne! |
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