How it all began.

Wondering how to get into illustration? Everyone’s journey is different. Here’s a little bit about mine.

People often ask if I went to art school. The answer is no. I’ve always doodled about though. You may or may now know that my primary job is acting.  I studied Drama at Hull University on an incredible course that covered many aspects of a career in the arts. Yes, there were acting modules, but we were also welding (like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance, naturally), we were building sets, designing posters, directing, producing, creating radio drama, studying dramaturgy…the list was endless and I still come across many of my peers doing brilliant things in the industry. By the end of a whirlwind 3 years gathering a heap of skills, and chip spice (if you know, you know), I still wanted to act so I trundled down to London to study at drama school.

Fast forward to Feb 2020. My husband (also an actor) and I return to the UK after an incredible 2 months traveling round South America and quickly find ourselves in lockdown. Ah, lockdown.

Theatres and film sets were closed. We were completely jobless, twiddling our thumbs with the future of our industry very uncertain.  As for many, it was an incredibly tough time. I very sadly lost my brilliant Nanny to Covid in her care home in May 2020 and I spent a great deal of time reeling with anger, spending hours upon hours scrolling endless toxic newsfeeds feeling both politically charged and helpless. 

That said, it was a turning point.  I suddenly found myself with time.  Time to stop.  Time to reflect. Time away from the rat race.  Time to reconnect with family and friends. Time to build communities.  Time to try out new things.  Time to create.  Time to hobby.  I found myself planting seeds, online quizzing, rag rugging, needle felting and mosaic-ing. Amongst the uncertainty and horrors of covid (and party gate), Arts n Crafts had a renaissance and I was all for it!  

I’ve always drawn. I’ve always created hand drawn presents for friends and family and been asked to create bespoke gifts for them but 2020 gave me guilt free space and time to pick up a pencil and create for myself!  

An instagram account and a web domain later…

Art Works by Char had begun.

My first sketched pic on instagram.

Speaking of communities, I owe a lot to Grayson Perry and the incredible community he so cleverly built through Channel 4’s ‘Grayson Perry’ Art Club (see link below) during covid.  On the one hand it was purely enjoyable entertainment that beautifully touched hearts through bringing communities together.  On the other he inspired people to just get making and creating and celebrate the imperfections.  He got me to pick up a pencil without worrying about the outcome. 

Inspired by the ‘View From My Window’ episode (Grayson Perry’s Art Club), here’s a sketch of the view from my little back yard at the time. My beloved green man reassuringly beaming down saying ‘it’s all going to be ok’!

I also had several very enjoyable evenings of live life drawing on Sky Arts which helped me to get free and just ‘do’.  Knowing that others across the country were also giving it a go was both comforting and encouraging. There was also something very liberating about the notion that my drawings didn’t actually matter.  We were in a global pandemic and whether they were good or not simply did. not. matter.  That was very helpful and even now I need to remember to remind myself of this from time to time!!

During this period, I also drew a lot of inspiration from nature.  Lucky for us our daily hour walks were mostly spent on the stunning South Downs watching birds, animals and plants reclaim the countryside.  I then started to ponder, ‘What would those sheep look like in bonnets?” And this was the moment a style heavily influenced by anthropomorphism was born!

An example of some Art Works by Char anthropomorphism for you! Browse my website gallery for more.

Who else started arts and crafts in lockdown? Who else started a new business during the ‘panny d’?  I’d love to hear your stories.

And to anyone wondering how to get started creatively?  I say, find a community.  Go to an evening class, join a club, just get doodling and get free with it.  Don’t be put off if you can’t get there in person, online is still a thing.  There are loads out there but, as an example, I’ve been following London Drawing Group (link below) for a while and keep meaning to tune into one of their classes.  They offer lots of very affordable/pay what you can online sessions so go get inspired…or get started!  

Go for it.

Links mentioned in this post:

Grayson’s Art Club on catch up: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/graysons-art-club

London Drawing Group: https://www.londondrawinggroup.com/about-us