This week we had the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Nia Gould aka @niagouldstudio as our artist spotlight of the week.
Hello! Please can you give us a brief little introduction about yourself?
Hello! I'm Nia, a Designer / Illustrator from Devon, UK. I live with my partner, little girl and gang of three cats. (Although if I had my own way there would be more.)
After graduating in 2008 from Falmouth University with a First-Class Degree in Graphic Design, I worked for 10 years in the arts industry, during which time I set up my own business illustrating and creating cards, print, pins and stationery with a focus on art history and cats. This passion and drive to do what I love has since allowed me to become a full-time illustrator working both for myself and as a freelancer for many clients.
Having worked with publishers Michael O’Mara and Chronicle Books on subjects close to my heart, I enjoy creating work that not only tells a story but educates the reader in an imaginative and fun way, and if that involves an animal or two then even better.
I illustrate digitally and draw inspiration from art history, the natural world and my love of animals. I experiment with an array of textures and techniques to create fun and magical illustrations with a variety of subject matters.
What inspires you?
The arts! I absolutely love researching and delving into the art world. I think this comes from being younger and spending time as a kid at art college – My Mum did her degree a little later in life, so I got to see and experience some really fun things.
What is your favourite thing to draw?
CATS! I have spent the past 6 years creating a whole business and brand on my love for drawing cats.
What art goals do you have for this year?
To not just draw cats… I spent a good part of 2020 pursuing a passion of mine which was to get into children’s publishing. I was working on my first children's book at the time and I just really enjoyed it so I wanted to do more. I spent the year building up my portfolio and sent it out to some agents. At the beginning of this year, I got signed to a dream agency and I am now looking forward to spending the rest of year hopefully creating some wonderful work for the children’s picture book market.
What techniques/supplies do you use?
I use Adobe Illustrator and Procreate on the iPad.
What advice would you give to another doodler/artist?
Just to do what you love as much and often as you can! I set myself a challenge to try and draw something every evening, just to keep that drive and passion going… its not always there and life does get in the way, but I know I am doing something I love because I look forward to that time when I get to just sit down and draw.
Learn more about Nia Gould by visiting them at:
If you love cats and art, you can follow @niaski on Instagram and if you want to follow my children’s illustration journey you can follow @niagouldstudio