Interview: Illustrator, Georgina Tee

We had a chat with a recent Falmouth University graduate Georgina Tee about what inspires her as an illustrator and her future within the industry.

Tell me a bit about yourself and what you do.

Hello, my name is Georgina and I'm an illustrator, and I recently graduated from Falmouth University. My portfolio is filled with a big range of projects, I like to try everything and apply my style of working to it, If its childrens books, posters, packaging or editorials.

How did you become an Illustrator? 

So, I am from the North west, where I grew up and studied until I came to Cornwall to study at Falmouth. At A level, I mainly took arty subjects like 3d design and graphic design, as well as failing hard at maths, before doing illustration at foundation level.

What inspires you?

Looking at anything with a good narrative, and colour scheme inspires a lot of my ideas. I do also love packaging, weird japanese prints and anything creative really. I get a lot of inspiration from other artists, being around people that are creative drives my work and helps me come up with my favourite ideas.

 What's integral to your work as an illustrator?

I think the most fundamental thing for my work, is the idea behind the illustration. Even if it is aesthetically pleasing, without having a good idea to push the illustration I feel like its a bit empty. My sketchbooks are filled with thumbnails, stupid drawings and ideas which I always draw in before any project, so I think my ideas and sketchbooks is a main part of my work as an illustrator.

Have you had any memorable responses from your work?

I've had a lot of positive responses from my work, currently i'm working on a couple of projects which are upcoming in late september. I think the most memorable will be the work I will be doing in my hometown for the contemporary arts festival, its a month long project and I will be doing on site illustrations all over town, it's going to be a bit of a challenge to do, but i'm excited to start.

What is your preferred medium of choice and why?

I work mainly using a digital medium, I prefer this to any traditional method because I work so much faster and my final product always comes out more crisp and interesting. I admit I rarely have the patience for painting.

What is your dream project?

If I could work on any project, it would possibly to have my illustrations on packaging of some kind, or to have my work in an animation. I would love it if someone could take my drawings and characters and make them walk and talk.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given and could give to people studying illustration?

Hmmm... maybe to not take criticism on your work too personal. Its hard not to, as illustration is a very personal thing and your own style can say a lot about you, but ultimately someones opinion is just one out of billions. Do what comes naturally, and take constructive criticism but don't change what you do just for someone else’s taste.

To see more of Georgina's visit her website: http://www.georginatee.com/ 

Lauren Grace1 Comment