CLUSTER ILLUSTRATION SHOP

ILLUSTRATION JOURNAL

CLUSTER ILLUSTRATION FAIR

How and why did you become an illustrator?

I’ve always loved drawing, and as a child I would make drawings as gifts for friends, but I didn’t know that illustration existed as a career, or that it was possible to earn a living from it! After high school I chose to study fashion design, as I wanted to do something creative, and knew that designers used drawing in their work.

When I graduated I spent a year doing internships in Paris with fashion companies while looking for a job, and at the same time created a personal blog, which I found so liberating. I eventually found a freelance job in fashion design, and found that I enjoyed the freedom of the freelance lifestyle - in fact I’ve never had a 9-to-5 job since! I slowly took on illustration commissions in my freelance work, creating logos and prints. It was only when I moved to London that I received my first major commission, ironically from a French publisher who had seen my blog!

Why did you choose to move to London?

I had cousins who had moved here, as well as my brother, and the way that they talked about it made me want to visit. I came over often and loved the city, its vibe, and people. It was so creative, and I loved the way people dressed. There is a freedom of expression in London, and I always found it easy to talk to people. It felt so welcoming, and I immediately felt like I belonged here.

What impact did moving to London have on your career?

Unlike many people I didn’t move to London for a job, but for the city itself. As a freelancer I’m fortunate - so long as I have my laptop, I can work anywhere! The majority of my clients are French or international (such as from Japan and India), rather than English. Moving to London did, however, influence my style. When I first came here I found that illustration in the UK was more graphic, and in response I began experimenting with a bolder, more confident style, incorporating stronger colours into my work.

After moving to London, I also started attending life drawing classes every week, which allowed me to meet other artists, and to learn about many artists’ markets that the city has. Speaking to other artists, and visiting markets and events gave me the courage to try exhibiting my work myself. In 2018 I visited Cluster Illustration’s fair after seeing on Instagram that several illustrators I admired were participating. It was overwhelming, and so inspiring I decided to exhibit at Cluster the following year. It was the first time I had shown my work in public, and it was fantastic! Ordinarily, I am alone behind my laptop, working to clients’ briefs, but at Cluster I was given the opportunity to exhibit my work in public, to see and speak to visitors, and to get their feedback. Exhibiting with other illustrators was also less daunting than holding a solo show, and has encouraged me to show my work again in future.

What advice would you give to artists and illustrators thinking of moving to London?

Walk everywhere! When I first came here, I was curious about the city, and enjoyed exploring it on foot, visiting museums, exhibitions, and galleries. There was so much to see, and always something to do, or somewhere to go. Don’t be afraid to go into galleries, or to ask questions. It took me a long time to feel confident enough to do so, but it’s so important.

I’d also highly recommend attending life drawing classes, many of which take place in pubs. It’s an opportunity to be creative, but also to be social, and meet other people! London is all about people, as is the work of an illustrator. Try to build a network, and be part of a community: join meet-up groups for artists, or if you can get a space in a shared studio. It’s both a bonus and a challenge that living in London offers so many opportunities for inspiration, and to connect with others. There are so many events to attend, but it’s also important to give yourself the space and time to be alone, and to create.