@vloveg

Instagram: @vloveg Website: www.vanessalovegrove.co.uk

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I’m an illustrator based in Bristol in the UK - I’m originally from London but moved for university and have stayed put ever since.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I love textures, bold shapes and limited colours. I love drawing characters in everyday life, but also in surreal or otherworldly situations.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

My work is predominantly digital - I used to love playing with mixed media when I was a student, and I think that shows in my work today. I’m completely obsessed with pencil textures.

4. What is your artistic process like?

My work is pretty concept-driven so I’ll typically start writing some thoughts and responses to the brief, work up a few thumbnail sketches in pencil, and then move to digital to start playing around with colour and characters.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I’m inspired by little surreal or quiet moments in daily life and contemporary society as a whole. I’m also inspired by supernatural elements, video games and music.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember - art has been in my life from the very beginning. If I’m not illustrating something, I’m thinking about illustration. Art really shows you the world through the eyes of other people, and I find it fascinating looking at the work of other artists.

7. Where did you study?

I studied at Bath Spa University and have a BA in Visual Communications - I can be a bit of a jack of all trades and enjoy dabbling in graphic design which comes from doing a broad degree, but ultimately illustration has my heart.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’ve recently made the first tentative steps to freelancing full time and have started talking to friends about working in a shared studio space (I currently work from home), so ideally illustrating in a studio with other creatives.

9. What about in ten?

Hopefully, still illustrating! I’d love to have a few books under my belt by then.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I want to communicate thoughts, emotions and stories through my work, and hope that they connect with others.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

A big steaming bowl of ramen will always go down well. I truly, honestly love food - trying out new things and going to different restaurants is one of life’s biggest pleasures.

12. Favourite book?

I’ve recently re-read Phillip Pullman’s ‘Dark Materials’ books that I fell in love with when I was a kid, so possibly one of those.

13. Favourite genre of music?

I’d find it hard to pick a genre, but I really like electronic/alternative music. I’m currently obsessed with Phoebe Bridgers.

14. What are your hobbies?

Going on hikes, going to gigs, cooking, reading and playing video games!

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

I used to work as a children’s book designer at a publisher's - so I suppose I’d still be doing that! I can’t imagine doing something that isn’t creative in some way.