Hello! I'm Chris Chatterton an illustrator and from time to time an animator based in the North East of England.
What illustration (motion design) software do you use for your work?
For my illustration work I mostly use Adobe Photoshop with a collection of brushes from Kyle T Webster along with some I've created myself. For my animation and motion design I've used all kinds of different software in the past like Maya and 3DS Max. The projects I work on now however tend to be 2D character work, so for those I use a mix of Adobe After Effects and Anime Studio Pro, which is a great little cheap app ideal for beginners and pros.
Tell about your work environment. Do you like to feel more settled or mix activities throughout a day?
I've just recently moved into a new home, which has an amazing basement that I've taken over as my studio. I'm still unpacking and finding homes for everything and there's lots of decorating to do but I'm already loving the space. I've got a desk which is home to my Cintiq for digital work but the new edition is a desk for drawing, painting cutting, sticking and general crafty stuff. Surrounded by lots of shelves full of Picture books. I started as a freelancer in my bedroom and then migrated to the dining room, so to have such a big dedicated studio space is fantastic.
I can spend long hours in front of the computer especially heading towards a deadline but when I can I try to mix up my day by going for a walk, meeting with friends (working alone can get lonely), and even do stuff around the house.
What are the most attractive pros of freelance work: flexible schedule, self-development, and independence?
Flexible hours defiantly, choosing your own hours allows you to work at the time you are most productive. Working where you want, the local cafe, which serves huge slices of chocolate cake, is always a winner. Control over which clients, choosing whom you want to work for and which projects you want to work on. And of course you are your own boss.
What are your everyday sources of design and illustration inspiration?
Social media is amazing for a quick fix of inspiration. I follow some hugely talented folks on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr. And of course I have my ever-growing collection of Art of and picture books to flick through. I'm hoping to get some prints on the walls of my studio very soon also.