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My name's Natalie Hughes, I'm a children's book illustrator and designer based mostly in Bristol. I've been lucky enough to work with international clients such as Oxford University Press and American Greetings, and I'm represented by The Bright Agency.
What inspired you to become an illustrator?
A childhood of doodling, daydreaming and exploring eventually lead me to study Illustration at the University of Gloucestershire, where I realised I wanted to work in design and specifically Children's books because they're the most fun!
What design tools do you use?
I use a mixture of traditional and digital tools...mechanical pencils and a mixture of Photoshop and Illustrator, plus hand made textures, scanned in and digitally collaged.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from many places: travel especially, old photographs, 1950's illustrations, vintage travel posters, 80's music, nature documentaries and Spielberg movies. I browse the inter-webs (It's Nice That and This Is Colossal are favourite sources) and use Pinterest a lot...too much!
Who is the person you admire most?
Ooh tricky question! Frida Kahlo is one of my heroes. I've always loved her courage in the face of adversity and her strength as a female artist. She was effortlessly cool too.
I also absolutely love Edward Gorey and Charley Harper.
