September 2011
Artist SpotlightPosted by Lainey Fri, September 30, 2011 23:14:46Artist Spotlight: Lee-Ann Donaldson
Website: http://lee-anndonaldson.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MsSoprano
When did you first become interested in illustration?
In 2009 when I went to the Drawing Life exhibition at the Design Museum in London. I loved the child-like doodles of Javier Mariscal and they inspired me to doodle freely and accept that you don't have to be a fine artist to illustrate.
At what point in your illustration career did you start to define your 'style'? or do you think you don't have a certain 'style'?
I don't think I have a style yet, which frustrates me sometimes because I'd love for someone to be able to recognise my work based on a particular style I had. That said, I enjoy being able to apply different styles to my work for a bit of variety.
Above: 'Unexpected Surprises'
What has been the highlight of your illustration career so far?
I'm still not sure I could confidently say I have a career - not while I'm still studying, anyway. At the start of the summer I landed a freelance job for Virgin Digital Help, which was an amazing opportunity and a great client to stick on my CV - so I'd have to say that!
What is your favourite tool to work with/in?
I just bought a Wacom tablet, I'm completely in love with it!
Is there a certain illustrator etc that you would like to work with? Tell me all...!
There are a couple of people I've briefly spoke to about working together. I'm really looking forward to a lettering collab with Designer & Illustrator Jay Roeder ( http://jayroeder.com/) in the near future. And then there's Mark Webber ( http://www.markandrewwebber.com/ ) who creates these amazing linocuts, which I've recently started playing around with myself, so hopefully we'll be able to get together and come up with a few ideas.
What event in your life would you say is most inspiring?
I work voluntarily at the local infant school, helping to run an afternoon art club once a week and I work with Foundation Stage children doing free painting. It's very messy! But the kids are really inspiring at times, I really enjoy encouraging the creativity in kids and the imagination is a wonderful thing at that age.
Above: 'Lets Go On An Adventure'
What colour would you say represents you best and why?
Extremely red, like my hair, because I'm feisty!
Last but not least, pen or pencil? and why !
Pencil, because then I can fix my errors.