Hello, I'm Joanne, and I'm an Illustrator from the Midlands in the UK, who specialises in narrative illustration. I enjoy playing with texture, scale, and composition. I mostly work in pencil, drawing each element, then coloring and enhancing in Photoshop.
I am a graduate of the MA in Children's Book Illustration course from the Cambridge School of Art. Recently, my project "Our Trip to the Park" was shortlisted in the Children's Publishing category for the World Illustration Awards 2024.
I like to include elements of fantasy and imagination in my work, underpinned by reality. I take inspiration from my surroundings in the Midlands and draw upon my own experiences and memories as a child to enrich my narratives.
From early childhood, I had differences in my speech, developing a stammer when I was 9 years old. I believe this helped me become a keen observer, noticing the small details around me, which has been a major influence in my work. This has also made me passionate about people, especially children, being able to share their voice. I am especially keen in working on projects that explore these themes.
You can find information, support and advice on Stammering on the Stamma website here
Education
MA Children's Book Illustration with Distinction
Cambridge School of Art
First Class BA (Hons.) Graphic Design (Illustration)
Norwich University of the Arts
MA Children's Book Illustration with Distinction
Cambridge School of Art
First Class BA (Hons.) Graphic Design (Illustration)
Norwich University of the Arts
Clients
Walker Books - The Times, Eureka Magazine - Black Dog Publishing - Bostock and Politt
Walker Books - The Times, Eureka Magazine - Black Dog Publishing - Bostock and Politt
Competitions
• WIA 2024 Shortlisted Artist for 'our trip to the park' - Children's Publishing
• WIA 2024 Longlisted Artist for 'our trip to the park' - Children's Publishing
• The Book Illustration Competition 2014 - Run by the House of Illustration and Folio Society - Shortlisted in the top 25 to illustrate Heart of Darkness.
• Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2013 - Highly Commended in the Emerging Talent Category
• The Book Illustration Competition 2013 - Run by the House of Illustration and Folio Society - Shortlisted in the top 25 to illustrate Brave New World
• Selected for the AOI's Images competition in annuals 34, 35 and 36
• Winner of the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society 'Best in NUCA Degree Show'
• Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2013 - Highly Commended in the Emerging Talent Category
• The Book Illustration Competition 2013 - Run by the House of Illustration and Folio Society - Shortlisted in the top 25 to illustrate Brave New World
• Selected for the AOI's Images competition in annuals 34, 35 and 36
• Winner of the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society 'Best in NUCA Degree Show'
All Images found on this site are copyright of Joanne Young Illustration 2024