This week we had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Josie Macey aka josie_macey_illustration as our Artist spotlight of the week.

Hello! Please can you give us a brief little introduction about yourself?

Hi, I’m Josie, a self-taught illustrator from Hampshire in the UK. I live on the edge of a small town with my husband and son and our beautiful rescue dog Mary.

One of my earliest memories is of me sitting drawing with my Grandma on a small lined notepad using only a biro. And I have been told I once taught my little sister how to draw a teddy bear on the living room wall!  At the moment I am working on a children’s picture book with a hope of getting an agent or even published. During the day I work as an English tutor supporting children with learning.

What inspires you?

Looking at amazing art inspires me. The people I follow on Instagram, Pinterest boards and I am a huge fan of Lila Rogers at Make Art That Sells I always find her courses so inspiring.  And of course the @fridaydoodleclub has been fantastic at inspiring me during lockdown.  I love wandering around my local bookshop looking at all the beautiful illustrations in children’s books.  Some of the ideas are just  brilliant. Sometimes a brief chat with my 10 year old niece can provide the quirky idea I am looking for. 

What is your favourite thing to draw?

My passion is illustrating children’s books. I find drawing a new character’s eyes is always exciting: once they are drawn, I feel that the character has begun to come alive. For me, this is when the magic happens, and now they can begin to tell their story.

What art goals do you have for this year?

My main goal for this year is to get myself published. I’ve been writing my own children’s book and now I am currently working on the illustrations. All I have to do is be brave and send the work out.

What techniques/supplies do you use?

I mostly reach for my iPad Pro. Illustrating digitally is something I have only learned in the last few years, and I love the versatility this medium provides.  It is like having the supplies of your favourite art shop in the palm of your hand.  I also like to work traditionally and always take my watercolours and sketchbook on family holidays gathering inspiration for my portfolio.

What advice would you give to another doodler/artist?

Practice every day. Even if it is only a little doodle. You truly do get better the more you draw. But most of all have fun. If you love what you’re doing others will too 🙂

Learn more about Josie Macey by visiting:

www.Instagram.com/josie_macey_illustration

www.josiemaceyillustration.com