Get to know UK illustrator Jane Newland, the talented artist behind our Issue 2 cover art.
Did our second issue catch your eye on newsstands? Here at Audrey Daybook, we were spellbound by the detailed and charming illustrations of Norfolk, UK illustrator, Jane Newland, and knew we wanted to use one of her incredible works of art for our cover. We think Jane’s bright summery design with bursts of deep colour was the perfect fit for Issue 2, meeting in perfect harmony with the look and feel of Audrey Daybook. Read on to meet the talent behind the cover, Jane Newland…
Tell us more about you and what you do…
Hello! I live on the edge of the fine city of Norwich, UK, in a place called Thorpe Hamlet, close to a river, ancient woodland and a meadow. Fields a short distance in one direction, city a short distance in the other. Perfect! I live with my partner, daughter and dog, and I’m a freelance illustrator.
I’ve been represented by the awesome Bright Agency for the last year and a half, and have been crazy busy ever since! I’ve been working on several books, and much to my delight have licensed virtually all of my back catalogue of personal work – now appearing on greetings cards, magazine covers, baby bed linen, a poetry book, packaging…
What does being creative mean to you?
I’ve been surrounded by creative people all my life – my whole family are all very art orientated, so there was no escape from it!
I think for me personally, it means keeping open minded about how to tackle a project, whatever it is, and letting my imagination run riot, at least to start with. I love just trying stuff out, be it colours, mediums, or subject matter. I delight in the unexpected!
What themes do you pursue?
Well, in my personal work, the last year has been a bit of a tree fest for me! I’ve really enjoyed working on landscapes, which I find really relaxing, but I also love sneaking in little details – people, dogs, birds, anything that pops in my head really!
I’ve been thinking I might change things up a bit next year – maybe it will be a year of interiors (gasp!). But I’m not one to plan too much – I usually just sit down and start drawing, and see what comes out!
Describe a typical day at work…
I’m up early, check emails and then straight to it. Radio on, music or news depending on my mood, and I work all day, and often into the evening too. And when I’m super busy, it’s weekends as well. I try to remember to stretch my legs once an hour, usually to the kitchen to get a drink! That’s it really!! I’m naturally a bit of a night owl, but I’ve had to change that habit as I’ve got older – late nights are not compatible with early starts!
What is your favourite artwork that you’ve produced so far?
Oh gosh, that’s a tricky one! I’ve only really started liking what I’ve produced in the last couple of years. I guess it would probably be “Sea Blue”. I still love the colours and the vibe of this piece.
How has your practice changed over time?
I’ve had to get quicker, due to the volume of work on my desk – less time for prevarication! Sometimes this is a good thing, sometimes not!
I’ve been working digitally for the last ten years or so, which also speeds up my process – the ability to work on a tonne of layers, and the undo button make it so much more efficient for me than traditional media. I have tried to create a look that doesn’t scream digital, and I think I’ve achieved it at last … it’s taken me a long, long time, trying out practically every function there is in Photoshop along the way!
I’ve recently switched from working on a pc with a pen tablet, to a Surface Pro, where I can draw straight on the screen – my neck is very grateful for the change!
See more of Jane Newland’s artwork at www.janenewland.com.
