Q & A with Laura Fray and Jess Turley- INC INK ART

http://www.inkincillustration.co.uk  (all the amazing images used on this page are from this website and were created by Laura and Jess, please go and check out there work by clicking on the link)

I thought it would be a good idea to try and get some advice from professional illustrators/designers. So I thought of Laura Fray and Jess Turley, successful illustrators based in Manchester that run a shop and sell a number of illustration based products, from framed pictures, postcards, cushions and a lot of other products. Im a huge admirer of there style of work and the way they produce work.

I visited there studio and they kindly answered a few questions I had and gave me some great advice ! which I really appreciate. Im going to summarise what they told me below (not word for word).   

1) what inspired you to first start drawing / take up illustration ? 

Both Laura and Jess come from creative backgrounds. What I found interesting was that they both came from fashion/printing/textile backgrounds. They both had interest and enjoyment in drawing and decided to try and pursue a full time career in illustration working as a team for themselves, rather then at a fashion studio or business. They've used what they know from fashion to aid them on there way to becoming successful illustrators.

2) Can you explain your creative process ?

They explained in some detail how they go about creating their illustrations and ideas. Explaining that they don't often do lots of research before hand and instead use their own initiative and imagination when it comes to creating drawings. So if they think an idea will work or look good they can then go ahead to sell that or use it. Similar to myself in the way they use Photoshop and other adobe programmes. They didn't know how to use them straight out of uni and have learnt more by getting used to them through trial and error and learning for themselves. I found that really encouraging as I always get in the mind set you have to know how to use them fully and if you don't you can't be as successful. They are proof you can. The main process of creating work is usually coming up with an idea, using fine liners to draw out the idea and then use the computer to edit and refine the image.

3) Do you ever get creative slumps ? how do you combat that ? 

This answer did make me laugh as they suggested "drinking wine". They explained as they have become busier they don't get into that mindset as much and manage time and what they need to do more. They are always doing something so when it comes to drawing they treasure that time and enjoy it.

4) Whats the best bit about being an illustrator ? 

They both explained the best bit was being their own bosses and having the freedom to create what they wanted and when they wanted. They don't earn as much money as they previously did, but they are happy doing what they do.


5) Have you found it difficult to become professional / any tips for someone trying to make it professionally ? 

• Finance/learning about cost - they both said they didn't really know much about costings, how to price things, or much about running a business. They've both learnt as they've gone along.They mentioned holding an exhibition showing there work that went quite successful and that gave them the kick and inspiration they need to pursue an illustration career. 
• Experience - get experience in something related, it doesn't always work out where you can just get an art job and sometimes you have to get something related or a job where you can use that experience to further yourself
• Social media - Use Instagram, Facebook, twitter and attend events. get your name out there and showcase your work. 

Illustrator lessons

Having watched as many adobe illustrator  tutorial videos as possible and trying to learn as much as I could, I've been practicing using the pen tool more. I'm trying to not lose or forget what I've learnt. Being a manchester city fan I thought it would be a good idea to try and recreate there badge. I think I've done a pretty good job. Some of the letters need more work on them, but from going to knowing nothing to producing this, Im pretty happy.

Life Drawing

This is from another of my life drawing classes. Im really happy with how this turned out. It was really challenging to draw, not because of the model, but because I decided to sit down for this one. Usually I'm stood up drawing and its a very different experience as you can't move your arm as freely to draw. I think I captured the shape of the body well, but I think for next week I want to try and focus in on shading especially around the face. 

Illustrator Lessons

This is another attempt at using illustrator to create drawings/work. I think I'm getting to grips with drawing with the pen tool now and using the pen tool to create shapes and curves. Ive experimented with this one after creating the initial shape, using different colour schemes and placing different darker spots throughout the drawing.

Life Drawing

I wanted to try and get back into drawing again and regain some of my confidence. One of the best ways I've found to do that is to attend life drawing classes. So thats what Ive been doing. These are my first attempts. I found it quite relaxing, but also a challenge. I'm really pleased with how the face turned out, as I often struggle to capture facial expressions. I apologize for the bottom picture beign a bit blurry - I need a better camera ! 

Illustrator Lessons

This is my third attempt at a vector/illustrator based drawing. Ive found having an idea before hand really helps, especially when it involves simple shapes. Here I've also used the pencil tool to create the more organic lines, such as the lines inside the cactus or on the floor. I wish that id learnt this earlier as I found the process really easy. I still think my work needs a hand drawn element, so Im going to try and combine the two together when appropriate. I think this style could work really well with editorial work.

I want to try and create more work using different view points and angles though.

Illustrator Lessons

This is my second attempt at recreating an old drawing in illustrator. I think I've done a much better job with this one. I really like the smooth finish that illustrator creates. I think I'm going to use illustrator more for basic shapes like this. I don't think it works as well with a more detailed drawing and its a lot harder for me to recreate. Im seeing signs of progress though.

Ive been trying to find work ( full time ) in design for a while now, but what I've been finding is that most jobs, if not all you need to know how to use illustrator and other adobe programs. If Im being honest my illustrator skills are very basic. So I've set myself a challenge of learning how to use it properly. I've used tasty tuts, which is a brilliant youtube channel for anyone trying to learn.

Ive been watching you tubes videos and going through everything there is on illustrator to try and learn as much as possible. Right from the basic things to more complicated things. Above is my attempt at drawing out an old illustration, just using the pen tool and what I've learnt the past few weeks. Its not the best, but its an improvement from where I was. The pen tool I've found really difficult to use, but slowly I am getting there. I just need more practice and to keep going with it.

Fahrenheit 451

It has been a long time since I last posted on here. I think now is the right time to try and start posting again. I have always been a avid book reader and my aim is to write down my thoughts and respond to each book on my blog. 

"There was a silly damn bird called a phoenix before Christ, every few hundred years he build a pyre and burnt himself up, he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over, and it looks like we're doing the same thing, over and over, but we've got one damn thing the phoenix never had. We know the damn silly things we've done for a thousand years and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it someday we'll stop making the goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them. 

Fahrenheit 451 is a book I have been meaning to read for a while. I have finally done so and I must say it was an extremely enjoyable book. A dystopian novel written by american author Ray Bradbury, the book is centered on the main character Guy Montag. His job as a fireman is to destroy books - the discord of all unhappiness in society. 

This story is one of a future with no thought and no questioning, i.e. why do we do things, what is that or whats the story behind that. Society in general becoming bland and emotionless with people unable to think for themselves. Everything 100 miles an hour and instantly explained on a television. Books and anything intellectual have become the source of all evil and the story itself focuses on the idea of book burning in suppressing dissenting ideas. With that the history of the past gone and people unable to question things and unable to learn from past mistakes. 

This book is very symbolic in my opinion of where society could be heading and the author has some very interesting ideas about the way we live. The quote above is a perfect description for me. We forget and make the same mistakes, rather then learn from them. Books and ideas are the counterweight to that. Books in particular hold such strong power i.e. history of the past, lessons of the past and imagination - the ability to use your mind to transport yourself to another fictional world. People aren't meant to be glued to the tv like zombies, but living real lives and not forgetting about real things - family, relationships..

This world created by Ray Bradbury, is a world lacking in colour and emotion, until the main character opens his eyes and opens his mind to the world around him.“Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” 

This book is a fantastic read and I would urge anyone to read it. It certainly challenged the way I think.