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Q&A with Joanna Scott

Freelance illustrator from Hertfordshire | Childrens Illustration

Hi, I'm Joanna Scott and I've worked as an artist and illustrator for 21 years. My background is in giftware and art for license as well as some licensed character development and work in publishing.

I'm mainly focused on the children's publishing market,  though I do work on other sorts of publications like poetry books for both self publishing authors and publishing houses too. Clients have included Shreds for Harrods and Selfridges, Halcyon Days, Paddington & Co, and award winning children's author Lynne Reid Banks. I've also worked on live TV doing illustration demos for Create and Craft on Sky.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always drawn and painted for as long as I can remember. I was an only child, raised by my Nan in Yorkshire, even though I was born in London. She had a small holding and we had lots of animals, either rescued or who drifted to live with us.

At one point we had ten cats, so my love of animals and drawing them was inspired at this time.

What tools do you use to organize your work?

I work on a Mac, big screen and I use social media for adding coverage to my marketing as well as having a portfolio website and a LinkedIn profile. Software packages are Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with a Wacom tablet and pen...though I still usually start with hand drawn work and often just use watercolours and an Epson scanner at a high resolution.

What is your ideal work environment?

Lots of desk space, a lovely view and two Yorkshire Terriers asleep in a basket by my feet, so I'm pretty sorted already!

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I take inspiration form many places and I've found that Pinterest particularly good for creating collections of inspiring images....needless to say animals are my key focus and I find inspiration from them every day.

Who are the creative people you admire most?

My husband James who writes the most fantastic songs that pull your heart strings and rattle your psyche. I also admire Frida Kahlo and Toulouse Lautrec for being creative against the odds and overcoming personal pain and struggle to remain true to their cause.