07.24.2008
This week's topic is:
enough
Suggested by switchsky
View Previous Entries
Did you illustrate this topic?
Enter Your Link! - Link Viewer
Return to Illustration Friday


Biography:
raised in texas. bfa from art center college of design in 1995. lived in brooklyn, ny 5 years.  currently working on books, illustration, comics, and gallery paintings. 

Website:
estherwatson.com

How did you get started in the illustration field?
entered american illustration #13. the art director judges hired me for rolling stone and new yorker.
How did you find your style? Has it changed since you started?
i found my style by drawing a lot. it constantly changes.

What is your process when working with clients? Can you run us through a typical job?
i usually get an e-mail asking me if i have time for a job. we negotiate budget and then i get the story. i do sketches and the art director shows the editor. the editor usually makes changes and then i trace it down and paint the final. i scan the final and e-mail the image. sometimes i digitally alter my painting for size or color.
What is your creation process (start with sketches, etc…)?
i read the story and think about it usually overnight. then i do doodles while i'm thinking out an idea, then trace down cleaned up sketches.
How do you market/promote your work?
post cards work the best.

Do you have a rep? Why/why not?
no. i am too aggressive on my own and am a control freak. i would rather blame myself if a job doesn't go through.
What was one of your favorite assignments?
ym magazine fashion spread, where my husband and i did the writing, art, and mark's brother was the photographer. it was a huge budget. all three of us and our daughter were flown out on location to follow teens around in orange county.

What is the best part about what you do?
freedom. 
Describe your work setting.
a messy group studio. i share a space with my husband, mark todd.

Do you have side projects you work on?

all the time. anything that comes to mind...books, shows, zines...

How do you maintain balance in your life between work and play?
we keep our studio apart from our home life.
Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do then?
of course...i go for a jog, go for a short trip away, hang out with friends...

What do you do for fun/when you're not working?
work is fun... researching for personal paintings through books, travel, libraries is fun too. play with our daughter, go on trips, hang out with friends, go to openings, invent new blogs for tammy pierce on myspace
What has been inspiring you lately?
haunted houses

Any advice for others who are pursuing creative goals?
do what you love and tell clients how to use your work. don't sit around and wait for the phone to ring.

Thank you, Esther!
Life images:
Discuss in the forums!
 
 

All rights reserved. © Illustration Friday or respective artist.