Following the release of her new colouring book celebrating all things Yorkshire, the Sheffield-based illustrator and printmaker talks inspirations and creative process with Exposed.
How did you get into illustration?
I was pretty fortunate to get a break into the industry as soon as I finished my degree in Illustration at the University of Huddersfield. Some creative managers from Hallmark visited our degree show and offered me a two-week-long placement. I will always be grateful for that first opportunity that came my way.
I was kept on as an in-house designer for them and later for UK Greetings. I worked in greetings for several years, and in the meantime completed an MA at the University of Central Lancashire and started my own business selling prints and illustrating for book publishers.
At the start of 2018, I was able to leave my job in the greetings industry to work full-time on my business. I now illustrate for clients like BBC Tiny Happy People and book publishers such as Harper Collins and Hachette, along with running my online shop and working with stockists.
How do you approach the creative process when starting a new project?
I often brainstorm ideas in the form of a written list or rough drawings in a sketchbook. I also tend to ‘let things bake’ for a while in my head! I’ve come to learn that it’s an important part of my process: having an idea, then allowing it to build as I go about my daily life, thinking about it while I walk or swim or cook.
If I’m drawing a new print, I’ll get straight in there and draw it. If I’m creating a book, I set out the pages in front of me, on sticky notes or digitally, so I have an overview as I plan the content. I’ve been writing my own children’s stories lately, which I do in a similar way, using sticky notes to plan out the structure of the story, which leads to ideas for characters and sentences I like.
Are there particular themes or subjects that you find yourself drawn to in your illustrations?
I have different themes for different parts of my business, but wellbeing has become a common one that threads through a lot of my projects. I illustrate lots of characters, parents and children for my book illustrations and things to do with mental health. For my shop, I have a huge number of architecture-inspired pieces, but my range of activity books and stationery go back to that theme of wellbeing and connection.
How do you handle creative blocks or moments of inspiration drought? Are there any strategies you use to overcome this?
I think one of the most important things is breaking the silence – just doing something gives you an easier starting point for the next thing. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to start again.
If it’s recurring or long-lasting, it’s important to explore what’s blocking you, by talking to someone supportive, using a self-help book or journalling prompts. Once you figure out some of the causes, it’s easier to recognise and try to work past them when they pop up.
I’ve learnt it helps to have an outlet (such as journalling) to empty your brain of busy thoughts and make room for inspiration to come in. Then carving out some time for yourself, going out with a sketchbook, or having a messy play session with materials you don’t usually use can be a jump-start back into feeling creative again.
Are there illustrators or artists who have significantly influenced your work?
Children’s books have always been a huge influence on my work, more than anything else. From ones I read as a child like Shirley Hughes, Raymond Briggs and Janet and Allan Ahlberg to current illustrators who’s books I love, like Tor Freeman, Mike Lowery and Nick Sharratt. I’m a big fan of Richard Scarry too, I love the humour!
I also get very inspired by animation and often think about how my favourites make me feel when I’m trying to get into the zone for my creative work. Wallace and Gromit, Bluey, Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr Fox, Hey Duggee’s Top of the Pups series (the lyrics crack me up as well as the brilliant animation!), Studio Ghibli and Disney films – to name a few – all play a part in my process.
You’ve recently launched A Very Yorkshire Colouring Book – just in time for Christmas! What inspired you to create this book and what can people expect inside?
I’ve been wanting to work on this for a long time! I created A Very Sheffield Colouring Book a few years ago and it makes me happy that people love giving it a gift. I’m very proud of my Yorkshire heritage and have lived, studied and worked in various places around the county. I love the character of the buildings, the friendly people and there are so many beautiful places to visit, so I had plenty of inspiration!
Finally, what are your favourite locations in Yorkshire to illustrate?
It’s hard to choose, but the seasides were probably the most fun. The coast is my favourite place to visit; I can sit and stare for hours at the big blue sea – at least until my stomach tells me it’s time for my fish and chips!
A Very Yorkshire Colouring Book is available from Josephine’s Etsy page and a range of local stockists now.
@josephinedellow
