Q&A with Kimberley Scott

I am an illustrator living and working in London. I mostly illustrate for childrens books, greetings cards, puzzles and calendars but generally love to illustrate anything I am given the opportunity to. I have worked with many clients including Random House, Scholastic, Egmont, Simon and Schuster and Harper Collins as well as WH Smith.

What tools do you use?

I love line work, whether its inks, pencils, charcoal or crayons…in any media really. So I always start my work with hand drawing. Generally its either pen and ink on paper or pencil on paper, it depends on what look I am after. Sometimes I use watercolour to colour it in, but more often than not I scan it in and colour it in photoshop.

What is your ideal work environment?

I like to work in a peaceful, airy and tidy environment. I can’t cope with too much mess and if I’m doing linework I need it to be quiet so I can concentrate. But when colouring I do like to have background noise so I usually listen to music or podcasts.

Where does your work inspiration come from?

Honestly, I’m not really sure. I think just from life. I like to observe life, the people and animals around me, just the little things really. I used to visit lots and lots of exhibitions but the more I get into my own work the less I seem to do so. I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing really?!

Who are the artists you admire most?

Ronald Searle and Quentin Blake have always been massive inspirations to me. I love both of their work, I can admire a single piece of their for hours on end. But generally I try not to look at other illustrators work as I don’t want to be influenced by it, I want my work to come from me.