Monday 25 September 2017

5 minutes with...Jonny Lambert

Today we hear a little from PP artist Jonny Lambert as he talks all things illustration! From his style and techniques to some fabulous advice for budding illustrators! Jonny has also included some lovely images to accompany his answers...!


Where do you live/work? 

In a wooden studio shed in the garden of our West Sussex coach house.

What do you love about working there?

It’s at the end of the garden, amongst trees and far enough away from the internet in the house.

What are your dislikes?

It can be difficult to keep warm during winter...ohh! and spider leftovers.



What do you love most about being an illustrator?

I like scribbling, and visually interpreting the written word. I can’t stop thinking in 3 dimension and love creatively entertaining/educating readers of all ages. 



How do you work – what are your techniques?  

I call it, ‘scratch and tickle’. I draw everything in blue pencil (something that has stuck with me since drawing for Disney). Initially I start with storyboards, planning out every scene (as I see it). After comments, amends and ‘cross-finger’ approvals from the publisher’s team, I build characters, scenes, expressions with end less use of tracing overlays.
Then it’s splash-paint time, scratching and daubing to create collage textures. After cutting and composing the painted elements, I tickle in the details...voila!





What is your favourite thing to draw?

In particular, anything unusual. Or, taking something familiar and finding an unusual way of portraying it.



Are there any tricky parts to being an illustrator?

Not being too self-critical.

What or who are you inspired by? 

Tricky one to answer, as I’m inspired by many things and people. That would be my answer for anyone...keep your mind and eyes open.




What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not illustrating?

Drawing, Paper Engineering, Willowing, Teaching, Cycling, Gardening, Cooking, Carpentry, Building stuff...I built shepherd’s hut from scratch, and more recently Kayaking.

How did you get into illustration?

After working in adult education publishing designing step-by-step diagrams and art directing photo shoots, I was offered the chance to illustrate a simple lift the flap children’s book for WHSmith. That was it!

What are your three top tips for aspiring illustrators? 

Know your subject and who you’re working for. Keep all your senses alert and have an interest in everything. Find a great agent to work with.
As a fourth top tip...keep your hands clean!!



What’s your ultimate dream?

Big question! Every time I’ve thought of one, it’s been interrupted by a more exciting opportunity. Keep trying...maybe that’s my answer, and if I fall flat on my face, at least I’ll be going forward!


Monday 18 September 2017

Explorers Against Extinctions "Sketch For Survival" Campaign

A little while ago, Plum Pudding were contacted by the charity "Explorers Against Extinction", who are raising money through their campaign "Sketch For Survival" by asking artists and celebrities to donate artwork to be put into their auction. A few of our artists have donated some fabulous pieces!

The charity raises awareness of a very important cause - to quote their website:

"One elephant is killed in Africa every 15 minutes. That's 100 a day. An average of three rhinos a day are killed for their horn. To raise awareness of these shocking statistics we asked artists & celebrities to do a simple 15 minute sketch to support our campaign."

As well as the auction, an exciting event is being held on the 12th October at the Royal Geographic Society in which leading experts in the wildlife field will come together to "make a stand against extinction". 

An exciting evening with some famous faces including Ranulph Fiennes will be attending - to get your ticket follow the link below:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/real-africa-trust

To bid on and maybe nab one of our artists lovely pieces visit:











(More artists to follow)

There will also be a tour of the donated work:

"The collection will also be on display to the public in the form of short pop-up exhibitions, opening in Norwich on World Rhino Day on Friday 22nd September. Venue details below:

The Crypt Gallery, Norwich School, Cathedral Close, NR1 4DH: Friday 22nd September 10am - 5pm and Saturday 23rd September 10am - 4pm

The Crypt Gallery, Dukes Road Entrance (off Euston Road), London, NW1 2BA: Tuesday 26th September 2pm - 8pm (private view 6pm - 8pm), Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th September 10am - 7pm

Walcot Chapel Gallery, Walcot Gate, Bath BA1 5UG: Wednesday 4th October 12pm - 7pm and 

Thursday 5th October 10am - 4pm
Entry is free."

Thursday 14 September 2017

Progressive Preschool Awards 2017

Some very exciting news year at Plum Pudding HQ!

"All You Need To Know before you Start School", the book illustrated by our very own Marina Aizen has been nominated for the Best Preschool Written, Listening, and Learning Range category of "The Progressive Preschool Awards" 2017!

We are very excited here at PP and have all our fingers crossed for Marina!














Thursday 7 September 2017

Some new Plums to add to the Pudding!

We have had two new lovely additions to the Plum Pudding team this month which is very exciting news!

Below, they have written two little bios to introduce themselves...enjoy!




I am Star, I am the new marketing manager here at Plum Pudding and I am wonderfully fantastically excited to be back! I studied Graphic Communication and Illustration at Loughborough University and my hobbies include covering myself in glitter, boogying and being silly. My (and my lovely mothers) favourite children’s book is Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and my favourite style is hand drawn and a little bit messy! If I could be any animal it would be a male silverback gorilla. 




Hello, my name’s Beth and I’m super excited to be starting as an agent here at Plum Pudding. I’ve recently graduated from the University of Leeds where I studied Graphic and Communication Design and have a background in designing for kids! I have a massive sweet tooth and love baking and devouring all things chocolatey. I love all illustration and envy all our artists’ talents but particularly enjoy papercutting and collaging myself. In the age old debate of cats or dogs I will always argue that rabbits are underrated!