Interview by Mia Kingsley
This week we have the pleasure of meeting the wonderful illustrator Katie Scott. Never before have I been more confused as to what work to feature alongside the interview for ‘Mia Meets…’! Katie’s work is truly mesmerising and I can’t get enough of it, from mushrooms to mythical creatures, from organs to cacti, Katie has mixed imagination with science to create a whole world of her own. Her particular pallet mixed with her attention to detail is bewildering, with the creatures and organisms from the core of the planet to the tips of the highest trees Katie’s pen can take you on a mystical journey you may not want to come back from! Now I’m not the only fan Katie has, her illustrations have been featured in many mediums from wine labels to tattoos! I mean to get your prints permanently inked into peoples skin is pretty impressive, but enough of my babbling! We chat about her favourite animals, what artists she admires and just where she gains her inspiration, meet Katie Scott…
Tell us how you started illustrating, what was it that made you pick up the pen?
Well I think most people love to draw when they’re young and then if you feel confident enough it’s easy to carry on. I particularly enjoyed drawing from imagination rather than reference, which is probably what lead me down the style of work I do now.
So have you always been creative then?
I guess so. Both my parents are designers so I grew up in a very creative house.
Where did your style develop from?
I think there was always a lean towards small detail and symmetry in my work. It wasn’t so science based but there was always a foundation of nature and pattern.
What would you say your trademark is?
Perhaps my colour pallet, and some of the fantasy botanical shapes I draw can be quite distinctive. The wobbly bits.
Where do you go to gain inspiration?
The Wellcome Collection Library is great. They have an ‘oversized book’ section which houses all their enormous picture books.
Which artists do you admire the most?
The big three are: Ernst Haeckel, Cornelius De Witt, Albertus Seba.
Your illustrations are used in so many mediums from tattoos to wine bottle labels, how does it make you feel that someone would like your work permanently inked into their skin?!
It’s very flattering. I find it interesting to see which illustrations become popular for tattoos. It’s not always the ones i would expect.
I also really love seeing how each different tattoo artist reimagine the drawing slightly.
What has been your proudest moment so far?
Probably watching the animated wallpaper I worked on for Pernod Ricard. It was the backdrop for a four hour long event in France and played on a 15M screen. I was sat in the audience and got to hear all of reactions first hand which was amazing.
Your in the process of releasing a book! That must be so exciting! Tell us about it…
It’s a large animal picture book published by Big Picture Press called Animalium. They are planning some incredible things for the release in September, so it’s very hard for me not to wish my summer away at the moment!
What do you love most about your job?
Currently it’s my new studio. I feel incredibly lucky to get to work in such a nice environment every day.
What are you obsessed with at the moment?
Propagating cuttings from my plant collection. It’s really addictive. The whole process is so satisfying – and endless
What are your favourite materials to work with?
Well I do near everything digitally. My only real material is a 0.1 fine liner, so I guess it would have to be that!
Favourite animal to draw?
I love drawing long necked birds. You can put them in really surreal positions, and I love the expression of most bird faces, with the round impenetrable eyes.
What would be your dream commission?
I really want to get into fabric or wallpaper designs, so something in that field would be a dream.
What is next for you Katie?
Well I have a busy summer lined up already. Maybe if I get some free time I’ll work on some fabric designs and try to make that happen!
Thanks so much Katie!! We can’t wait to see what the future brings you and to also get our hands on some of that wallpaper for the entirety of our houses!! 😉 If you loved Katie’s work check out the links below and be sure to have a look at whats on offer to purchase, I recently got a print and can’t wait to frame it!
As for interviews, you can read all previous ‘Mia Meets…’ here and for more Mia check out the links below…
cargocollective.com/miamagnoliakingsley
miamagnoliakingsley.tumblr.com
Until next time have a wonderful week! xxx
