Featured Illustrator: Sarah Palmer

2015 promises to be an inspiring year, and Words and Pictures is proud to welcome a fresh new artist as our first Featured Illustrator of the year. Sarah Palmer is a graduate of the MA course in Children's Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, and one of the illustration winners of last year's Undiscovered Voices. See more of her work on the Featured Illustrator Gallery.

Background

Growing up, I loved to draw.  My mum and dad always encouraged me, and I spent many happy hours drawing flowers in our garden. 

Drawing in the garden

My Grandad was a brilliant amateur wildlife artist.  One of my treasured possessions is a picture of ostriches that Grandad drew and I painted. 

Painting done with Grandad

I enjoyed lots of different subjects at school, but I knew that I wanted to do something creative.  However, I was surprised and disappointed to find myself struggling with my Art A-level course.  It really knocked my confidence and ruined any chance that I would look at a degree in illustration, so I chose to study for a Graphic Design degree at university.

Although I loved my time at university, and quite enjoyed the course, it just wasn't quite the right 'fit' for me. I most enjoyed designing for print, but multimedia was the 'big thing' when I left university in 2000, so I looked for a job outside the area of graphic design.

Towards Children's Illustration

After several years, I was aware of a desire to express myself creatively, but also a need for some structure, as I was a bit lost and directionless under my own steam. I looked around for some distance-learning opportunities, as I worked full-time, and found a Diploma in Children's Book Illustration.  It was just what I needed and taught me two big lessons.  Firstly, that I really enjoyed creating imaginary creatures, like this little fella who lives under the sink... 

Sebastian's Sink City

 Secondly, it taught me that I needed to connect emotionally with the topic in order to really engage with a project.  We were just given a title for our final piece of work: "Singer of Starlight".  It made me think of all the times that my nan used to sing me to sleep when I was little (and not very good at sleeping!).  

Singer of Starlight

 The diploma was the 'push' I needed and I looked for ways to develop my illustration further.  I stumbled upon information about the MA in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art and knew I needed to do the course!  It took a couple of years, but I managed to drop a day at work, and start the part-time course in 2011.  It was brilliant and I learnt so much over the two-and-a-half years.

It was during the MA that my friend encouraged me to enter the Undiscovered Voices competition and I was delighted that my illustration for Amy Warburton's Most Unusual Pet was chosen as one of the winning entries.  

Entry for Undiscovered Voices 2014

By the time I had completed the MA, I had written and illustrated two picturebook stories and had developed an idea for a boardbook, which I had never imagined would be possible for me! 

Spread from “The Problem Pet”, a story about a worry monster

Tips

I feel (and hope!) that I am at the beginning of the 'journey' and therefore don't feel in the best position to offer tips... 

But, for what it's worth, I would say that I think it's really important to experiment.  Don't dismiss anything until you've tried it. 

Character ideas for the worry monster

Also, don't ignore the dummy book stage - enjoy it!  I loved creating the dummy book for the Monster Meals board book.   

Dummy book for “Monster Meals”

 Finally, (and I'm shouting this at myself) believe people when they compliment your work and accept any help / advice / critiques that you're offered!  

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See more of Sarah's work on her Featured Illustrator Gallery!
Sarah's blog is here
To contact Sarah email sarahloupalmer@gmail.com