Hattie Clark is a freelance illustrator based in Yorkshire. Hattie likes to keep her work pretty simple, with a bold colour palette and lots of fun! She works mainly by hand as it feels natural to her and she feels she can inject a lot of life and personality into her illustrations. Hattie’s designs are frequently driven by character, but anything can inspire her. She love silliness and nonsense so if she spots something that makes her smile, she’ll remember it for later.

Tell us a fun fact about you

I’m partial to a pun and I like to think I’m very punny. This is probably not the case.

How did you get into illustration?

I’ve been fascinated by Art for as long as I can remember (I think Art Attack is partially to blame). I always wanted to be creative I just wasn’t sure how. When I went to Leeds College of Art for my foundation year I fell in love with illustration. I then studied Graphic Communication at Bath School of Art and since graduating I’ve been building a career as a Freelance Illustrator.

Who or what inspires you the most?

I couldn’t pick just one thing that inspires me. I can find inspiration in anything and everything. The smallest thing could become a starting point for me; everyday life, people I see, articles I’ve read, sport, nature, fashion…you name it.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually wake up a little slow, have a strong coffee and some breakfast. I’m lucky to have a space from home and shared office to work from, so I’ll get on with some emails and general bits and bobs before heading out to work. I’ll go till about 6 (ish) before heading to the gym to switch off and reset. I’m definitely a night owl and addicted to drawing, so I’ll be at my desk in the evening till late. I always think I do my best work then!

What do you do when you have a creative block?

I’m lucky to live in a beautiful part of Yorkshire so for me nothing beats getting outside and going for a run! I’m really into my fitness and sport so my routine involves going to the gym to clear my head at the end of the day. Otherwise it’s putting on some good music, having a cuppa and a break.

Top three clients you’ve worked with?

I’m pretty new to freelancing and so I’m sure my top three are yet to come! I’ve worked with some lovely clients so far and I wouldn’t want to choose between them.

What tools (digital or not!) do you use to create your work?

My go to (and something I couldn’t do without) is a bottle of black ink and a paintbrush. I just love the fluidity of the strong lines. I also love using gouache and crayon, often to create textures I can cut up and collage. I usually finish with scanning in what I’ve made to tidy up or add colour.

What’s your favourite resource for inspiration?

I couldn’t pick one…magazines, books, bookshops, beautiful stationary. Then there’s all the work I see on Instagram…It keeps inspiring and pushing me to create more when I see brilliant illustration.

Do you have any tips for artists thinking of doing freelance?

Work hard, keep experimenting, make mistakes and have fun.

What would your dream project be?

Recently I’ve been thinking more and more about developing and illustrating a children’s book. To create my own book would be a dream.

How can fans keep up-to-date with your work?
Instagram