When did you first become interested in art?
I’ve loved being creative for as long as I can remember. I once found an old “All About Me” book from when I was about 8 where I wrote author/illustrator under “what I want to be when I grow up”, so its definitely been my dream for a long time!
How would you describe your design style?
That’s a hard one, I’ve always found it hard to describe my own work! I think I’d describe it as pretty, colourful and fairytale-like!
What inspires you?
My biggest inspirations are fairytales, animals and nature. I also love to create work inspired by places I’ve visited and books I’ve read.
What is your favourite piece in your collection?
My favourite has got to be the unicorn. I designed it after I promised some uni friends that I’d draw a unicorn for them, and its turned out to be my most popular piece of work!
Is there any artistic talent in your family?
Yes, definitely! Both of my Grandmothers have always been a great influence on my creativity. One one was fantastic painter, and the other worked as a pattern maker for Christian Dior. Visits to their houses always involved many fun hours of painting flowers or sewing bags and cushions.
What is the journey you take to produce your work?
I tend to start with a few notes and a quick doodle in a notebook, and then draw out a more detailed version in a sketchbook, often in several parts. Those drawings then get scanned in, put together, edited and coloured in Photoshop and Illustrator.
What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?
I was contacted by Art Rookie just after I finished Uni, and it looked like a great opportunity to share my work with more people. Its also great to see my work on products that I wouldn’t be able to make myself.
When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?
Drawing has always been my main hobby as well as my career, so that does take up a lot of my time! But I also love to read, watch Disney films, and wander around markets.
Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?
Definitely. There’s so many amazing artists out there it can be hard to stand out. Since I finished Uni I’ve made sure I regularly share my work on my blog and social media platforms, and its gradually getting easier to get noticed, but its definitely tricky when you’re just starting out.
Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?
As I mentioned I love to wander around markets such as Camden and Greenwich. I’m also a fan of zoos (London Zoo in particular) and a good trip to the Seaside!
What makes British talent different than elsewhere?
British talent is very diverse, with a great range of styles and influences. Like I said before, there are so many amazing artists out there!
What are your plans for 2016?
In 2016 I’m planning to carry on producing more work, growing my blog and business, and expanding my portfolio. I’ve got a great trip to the Baltics planned in the Summer which I’m sure will inspire lots of new illustration s.
View her shop-page http://artrookie.co.uk/emmamargaretillustration
