01. University Workspace
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The first thing that pops in my head when I think of illustration by the extremely talented Katie Allen is the word *fresh*. And after following her work for the past several months I am still struck by this overriding attribute and more… fresh, innocent, often graphic styled and beautifully crafted with a heavy dose of exciting hand lettering threaded in that makes one gaze longer.
02. First Man on the Moon – Cover
>> See the full set
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This past summer I was quite fortunate to have made acquaintance with Katie after I stumbled upon her brilliant The First Man on the Moon (cover seen above) student book project which I featured on AQ-V back in July near the 40 year anniversary of Apollo 11. Since that time I have also featured selections from her super clever sketchbook *thinkspace*. Additionally, I have been privileged to correspond with Katie in ongoing fashion over the past six months. She is top notch in my book both professionally and personally and I know she will go quite far as she soon embarks upon her professional career. I am thrilled to have had opportunity to interview her recently about her background plus her work and here today feature more of her choice illustrations on AQ-V so keep reading…
03. A Positive Future: Amelia’s Magazine Brief No. 1 & No. 2
>> See the full set | Psst… these prints are available for sale. Contact Katie for details.
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Q: Please tell us about yourself and your background.
A: I’m Katie, 21, and from South London, UK. I’m currently in my final year for a degree in Illustration, living and studying in Southampton, UK. (Katie just received a first for her dissertation, props to her!)
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Q: What made you decide to become an illustrator?
A: Probably studying for a foundation art and design degree in 2006-7. I attended Camberwell College of Art in London, still with quite a lot of naivety about what I wanted to do. I was completely new to the environment of an art-school, and after 6 months of artistic exploration, I opted to specialize in illustration. I found illustration to be a nice marriage of fine art and design, with really interesting briefs. I guess that’s quite an average reason but my experience studying illustration has been amazing and I’ve just become so passionate about it.
04. Hungry – Collagraph
Psst… this great print is also available for sale. Contact Katie for details.
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Q: What is your definition of illustration? In other words, how would you describe what it is you do to someone completely unfamiliar?
A: When I tell people I’m studying illustration, they say, “what, drawings in children’s books?” I think that’s a popular misconception in the UK. Even when I tell them I am interested in editorial illustration they think I want to be a political cartoonist. I’d define illustration as a growing part of visual culture, which affects all forms of print and digital media. It works hand-in-hand with text but also is becoming an entity in its own right.
05. Harp Pub Beermat Illustrations No. 1 & No. 2
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Q: How would you describe your style?
Evolving and graphic, with a slight delicate touch. However, I’m lucky enough to be able to try new things everyday, and I’m still constantly learning new things. Despite this I hope my work still has a subtle continuity to it, without being repetitive.
06. Benediction – Card Cut
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Q: What inspires you? And what/who has influenced your work?
A: Everything in visual culture and all those bits in-between. Films, architecture, cities, fashion, games, textiles, eras, the internet, ephemera. Recently I have been very inspired by Penguin/Pelican book jackets, Alan Fletcher, and working in the print-room at my university.
07. Sketchbook Collage
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Q: What would you like to be doing in the future?
A: The big question! Ideally, I’d love to be a freelance illustrator. Whatever I do, my main drive is to become a full-time illustrator, making images that inspire me.
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>> See more on Katie’s website + flickr
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Super *grazie* to Katie for sharing her marvelous work plus her time!
… AND helping me administrate the AQ-V Thinkspace flickr group!
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[ All images ©Katie Allen ]
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
her work is inspiring…
Great style Katie’s developed there.
Amy, love the top picture of Katie’s work space. Also, as you know, I loved the one you posted a couple of weeks backs with the calendar on the wall behind the Mac.
It would make a great post, a collection of work spaces.
Thanks guys for the comments! Yes, Katie has a terrific style that definitely inspires… beautifully non-fussy, she really knows how to not overwork her work. :~)
Robin: And yes, her workspace photo is ace. Will be continuing to feature work/thinkspaces (via my thinkspace flickr group) in my weekly feature on Tuesdays so stay tuned! Definitely cool to see where people’s brain juice flows. Maybe you could share yours, eh?
Hi Amy.
I’ll give it a go. Not sure mine is as cool as Katie’s though!
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