Being an illustrator
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I have illustrated for many publications around the world including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, Vogue, Traveller, GQ, San Francisco Chronicle and the Toronto Post.
My illustration work has spanned the globe from postage stamps for remote islands in the Pacific to 30ft posters for motor shows in Brussels.
Illustrations for promotional campaigns include The Body Shop, Kelloggs, Visa and Virgin Airlines. Extensive illustrative design work for companies ranging from Cranks, Neiman Marcus, Harvey Nichols and Warehouse.
I have recently worked on a variety of animation projects for companies in L.A. and London, including a feature length version of the children’s classic ‘Heidi’ and the BAFTA nominated ‘Cramp Twins’ for Cartoon Network.
When did you decide to pursue illustration as a career?
Age 6 after reading Orlando (The Marmalade Cat).
What training have you had?
I did an MA in Illustration at the Royal college of Art.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Meeting Prince Charles.
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
“As we speed along this endless road to the destination called who we hope to be, I can’t help but whine, ‘Are we there yet?’” Sarah Jessica Parker.
Who is your favourite artist?
Fernand Léger.
What are you aiming for?
Career success.
How will you get there?
Relentless pursuit.
Is anything holding you back?
Timing.
You and illustration
What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?
Joy.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
Five days.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
Silence.
What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?
A cookery book.
Being inspired by illustration
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
J. K. Rowling for not giving up.
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an illustrator?
Travel.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
Always the latest thing I’ve done.
an illustrator’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for illustration into a career, could you give any advice?
Work hard and be nice to people.
Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?
Accept networking as a way of life.
Thanks Robert!
More of Robert’s travel-inspired works can be seen over on www.robertlittleford.co.uk
