Interview with Jazz Hutchison
The red-headed, tea-loving illustrator Jasmine Hutchison joined us this week to have a chat about illustrating, inspirations and how to make the perfect cup of tea!
Jazz is our newest artist to join Wraptious! Based in Southsea, she specialises in line drawings while often incorporating textiles within her work.
1) Hey Jazz! Can't believe we're halfway through 2014 already! Having a good year?
Hello! Yes I’m having a brilliant year so far! Especially now that the sun is out and I can eat Mr Whippy’s on a daily basis.
2) What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment I’m working on some illustrated A-Z’s, inspired by all things summer! I’m sure they’ll be some sneak previews on my Instagram soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
3) Where did your love of textile and illustration come from?
When I was younger I’d always get in trouble for cutting up all my clothes, I’d be sat cutting and sewing, adding beads and buttons, I guess my love for creativity progressed from there. I then went on to study art and textile subjects through school, college and eventually university!
4) Do you have any advice for budding illustrators looking to sell their work?
My first piece of advice would be to create an etsy profile, it’s a brilliant website that allows you to sell your artwork at your own pace. My second piece of advice would be to make sure you’re constantly promoting yourself through social media, throw your name and work out there. And my third piece of advice would be to get yourself involved with local art projects or communities, like art fairs and markets, things like that. It’s always good to be known throughout your creative community!
5) So...Chameleon Superheroes and Food Puppies. Where on earth do you get your inspiration from?!
Well I’m often inspired by my crazy friends and family, and things that happen day to day in my life. I find inspiration from conversations, places I visit and things I read or watch on tv. I’ll let you in on a secret though, if I’m ever stuck for inspiration, David Attenborough is a big help. I’ll stick on a documentary and within the first 10 minutes I’ll be inspired by something I’ve just watched to create a new illustration, animals are always great to work with!
6) What do you love most about being an illustrator?
The thing I love most about being an illustrator? STATIONERY. The other day I was reunited with an ink pen for the first time since I was like 9, hours of fun! I am a massive lover of all things stationery, so being an illustrator is a great excuse to treat myself! Hahaha!
7) Any artists floating your boat recently?
An artist I recently came across and fell in love with is Rowan Stocks Moore, his minimalistic Disney prints are so beautiful, I bought two of them straight away. Two artists whose work I follow quite religiously are Sandra Dieckmann and Gemma Correll, they’re definitely worth a look at!
8) You mention you can make an excellent cup of tea - any tips?!
Hahah, well, never put the milk in first and always enjoy with your favourite biscuit!
9) And finally, what would be your dream job?
My dream job? That’s a tough one! Other than to draw for a living then I’d have to say my dream job would be to be a resort waterslide tester. (Yes, that is a real job title!)
Jazz's work is available as cards and prints on Wraptious
You can see more of her work on her website at jazzlikestodraw.tumblr.com or on Instagram @jazzhutch.