Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Humorous, cute, sometimes quirky, fun loving and simplified at times,
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Less distractions the better. Enjoy background music and the odd cup of tea or coffee.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Ipad Pro running Procreate, although would like to dabble in watercolour at some point.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
I couldn’t possibly limit it to three, sorry. So many artists inspire me, be them professional, hobbyists or starting their journey into the world of illustration.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
To be honest, I would be more interested in seeing how art develops far into the future.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
As a child I enjoyed drawing and dreamed of one day becoming a cartoonist as not only enjoyed reading comics but also poured over the artwork. Life took over once left school and as time passed I never made time to draw. A number of years back I dipped into drawing again but only for a matter of weeks. Then in Nov 2018 due to certain circumstances in my life I realised I needed to make the time to do something for myself. This being picking back up the pencil, albeit now an Apple Pencil. I’ve been drawing daily ever since.
My creative space is primarily the living room floor : ) often accompanied by our pet dog, Kipper AKA Mr Kipling. I actually find it more comfortable laying down drawing than I do sitting. If not the living room floor, I’ll be laid on the bed (less distractions).
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
The blank page. At this point it can go anywhere. The initial point of creating the character(s) is what I enjoy the most, bringing them to life on the page.
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
As an aspiring illustrator myself, I’d say make the time to do what you enjoy doing. I’ve found Instagram to be very helpful to not only share my work with others and discover so many talented and creative individuals but I’ve also picked up illustration work including my first children’s book and stamp design work.
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late. Don’t be afraid to allow your style to develop and evolve. I actually don’t restrict myself to one specific style. Stay true to yourself. Never give up. Only you can make it happen, so make it happen.
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late. Don’t be afraid to allow your style to develop and evolve. I actually don’t restrict myself to one specific style. Stay true to yourself. Never give up. Only you can make it happen, so make it happen.
Julian is self-taught and lives with his wife, son and pet dog (eldest two daughters have flown the nest). He’s currently working on his first children’s book – How Does Time Work? (Nui Nui) and creates stamp designs for Purple Onion Designs. Julian also runs a free artist promotion page on Instagram @childrensillustratorsart .
For more information, please follow Julian on his instagram.
