Artist Highlight: Kid of the Village

Posted by East End Prints on 16th Apr 2021

Whether you want some wholesome illustrative print action on the kids nursery wall or a healthy slice of joy with some upbeat Kid Of The Village is the artist collection for you! We talked early art memories, passions outside of the studio and of course the go-to sandwich filling.

Let’s start off with a little bit about your background. Where are you from originally and where are you in the world at the moment?

I’m a born and bred southerner and have always lived around Kent and Surrey. At the moment I live with my husband and two children in a house we built 6 years ago - we enjoy a good property project and are planning our next move for 2021. I work from home so the right base is a must!

When and how did you become interested in illustration and design? I’ve always had an interest in illustration and design but never followed that passion professionally until late 2017 when Kid of Village was born. Before that I’d toyed with the idea of furniture design and even kids clothing. I did a load of evening courses in different fields of design and loved the creative elements of all of them. Eventually I just started making art with no real intention or plan and it went from there!

What are some of the thoughts that fuel the direction of your current work? I love creating pieces that are playful and engaging. A lot of my recent work has more educational elements but I also love colour and creating bold statement pieces.

What are your passions outside of the studio? Family is my biggest passion outside of the studio. It’s always tricky balancing family life with work, especially being self employed with young children. There’s not much time for extra interests but then I think my family would agree that my work is a bit of an obsession of mine!!

What's your earliest memory related to art? Earliest memory related to art is just me constantly drawing. I had reams of sketches everywhere as a kid. I’d spend hours drawing portraits of my family, cartoon characters etc. I actually feel very lucky to be able to earn a living doing something I’ve always loved to do.

Did you go to art school or study art formally after school? If so, what did you study? All my processes are self taught - I’ve never had any formal art education. Part of me wishes I had gone down that route but I wouldn’t change where I am right now. I’m always pushing myself to learn new techniques and try new ideas so I think my work is always evolving, which I think is more important than where you start.

Which books would we find on your bedside table? I’m embarrassed to say actually haven’t read a book since the kids were born (so it’s been over 4 years now!!) I really need to make the time. I think the last book a read was a Bill Bryson. I love enjoy a bit of non-fiction!