Jo Sinclair
Children's Illustrator
Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?
Growing up I would just love to read Brambly Hedge, but what I loved even more than reading it was looking at the illustrations. Even to this day, I see something new every time I look at them. So I've always thought it was a very cool job.
Did you attend art school or undertake any other formal artistic training?
Yes I did a foundation course in art, a btec in fashion and BA hons degree in textiles. Since then I have always done as many different illustration courses as possible, covering all sorts of aspects of illustration, from proportions, to how to write and illustrate course.
Was creativity part of your childhood?
Yes 100% my dad had a graphic design degree and was drawing me things as a child. He also painted landscapes and encouraged me in every way to draw and paint. Having any sort of support in your creativity is such a boost to your confidence
Have you always loved to draw?
Yes from colouring competitions to hand drawn Christmas cards, I've always drawn, painted and created as long as I could remember.
What piece of software or hardware could you not live without and why?
Both my iPad and procreate would be really hard to live without now. it's just like drawing in a sketch book, but you can achieve so much more than you can with just a pencil.
How long does it take on average for you to finish a spread, from initial sketch to final colour?
So this will depend on the detail and number of elements required. But, on average it would take three to four working days to complete a double page spread.
What would you say is a distinguishing feature of your artwork?
Lots of detail, patterns, textures, fur, hair, strong colours and quirky eyes and features.
Which 4 words would you use to describe your illustration portfolio?
Colourful, comical, cute and bold.
Outline your dream project.
Something amazing like a series of books including merchandising, wrap and games to create for would be totally amazing.
What advice would you offer someone just starting out as a children’s illustrator?
Do as many illustrating courses as you can. Take on and own every piece of feedback you get good or bad. This will always help you to grow, even if it's difficult to hear. Try lots of different styles of illustrator. Follow on social media as many illustrators as you can that inspire you. Draw something every day, and never, never give up on your dream!
Are you an author/illustrator?
I'm not, well not yet. I have some amazing ideas for children's books, but am not really sure how to create the full story.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice I have been given is draw something every day. Even if it's just a doodle on a napkin. Practice really does make perfect.
What makes a good children’s book?
Endearing characters that are larger than life, with a comical quirky story that has you gripped from page one. An exciting adventure the child can go on as they read and relate to.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I am a third generation in my family to be born in Kenya.
What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?
I am happiest drawing animals of all kinds, but some of my favourites are toucans, monkeys and anteaters! The more exotic the animal the better.
How do you get your creative juices flowing?
If I'm feeling a little low on inspiration I will do one of those fantastic promp lists on instagram. You can do them just for yourself, do one or all of them or fully join in by including the hosts and tags in your insta post. Follow lots of amazing illustrators and these will appear pretty regularly.
Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?
I do indeed have a crazy 12 year old jackpoo called Alfie. Who keeps me busy and very entertained, and I swear he can count, and knows what the time is!
How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?
I've always drawn little characters from a young age. To do what I love, largely as a hobby, as a full time career is 100% a no brainer.
Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?
I live in Berkshire in the south east of England. I have spent most of my life here, but was born in Nairobi, then moved to Sweden as my mum is Swedish, and finally settled here when my sister was born. My heritage is 3rd generation born in Africa. I have family in Spain and the USA, and my grandparents were farmers in Africa, which I think has allot to do with my love of animals.
Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?
From Quentin Blake as a child to more recently Catherine Raynor, Emily Gravett and Josh Cleland. I have a signed copy of Catherine's new book, and am doing my second online course by Josh Cleland.
What do you do in your spare time?
I illustrate with every spare moment as currently I still have a full time job not related to illustration.
Where do you get the ideas for your characters?
They can be something that just pops into your head. I find instagram a great inspiration from animal videos. For instance the very large dog and tiny kittens was inspired by instagram.
Who is your favourite children’s book character and why?
What -A-Mess was a book released in 1977. Illustrated by Joseph Wright. I still remember it to this day. An Afghan hound who just got in a mess all the mid. Twigs and leaves sticking out of his hair, and so much expression.
Which area of children’s publishing excites you the most?
I think writing and illustrating my own book would be an amazing achievement. I have a few ideas I'm working on, and eventually would like to get them in front of a publisher.
What things affect your creativity?
Being very tired or very stressed can make things hard, and my productiveness can suffer. So having a full time job can take its toll.
How important is it for you to be part of a creative community of people?
It's essential, I wouldn't be where I am now without them. People sharing ideas, course to go on, competitions to enter, things to avoid and feedback from other illustrators is crucial.