Jeremy – The Digital Children’s Illustrator Artist

Jeremy Spencer has been a professional illustrator for six years. It was through his studies, and he developed a passion for digital illustration.

After graduations from the Art Institute of New York city, he  jumped straight into a job where he created illustrations for wall art, interior art painting and more. But when he discovered the children’s market, he knew he had found his niche, his fit—he was drawn to the bright, bold, fun designs.

ARTSG: How did you get started as an illustrator?

JEREMY: I was always very creative growing up. I remember being very excited to receive art materials as a gift. I loved drawing, sketching, and designing all sorts of different things. I have always loved bright colors, too.
I remember going around in London when I was younger, and seeing the work of Roy Lichtenstein for the first time. I absolutely fell in love! His work was so bold, it really caught my eye. It was through Lichtenstein’s work that I discovered pop art.

I think it was through discovering this genre of art that I became absorbed and my passion for art became more serious. I started a Graphic Communications course at University in 2005 and it was through this course I really found out who I wanted to be as an artist. I had not explored digital illustration before studying for my degree and I distinctly remember that milestone in my life. Suddenly I had found a style of illustration that just clicked, and from that point on I have not looked back. Over the years, and through lots of experimentation, my illustrative style has grown and evolved, leading me to how my work looks today.

Going self-employed, and creating a business all by myself, was not a decision I made lightly. I knew it had many risks attached to it, but I was determined. I had a great desire and above all, I was very passionate about the direction I was headed.

ARTSG: We know that illustrating is all about visual stimulation, but is there ever a time when there’s too much visual stimulation?

JEREMY: I love being surround by visual stimulation; it can be very inspiring. I find being surrounded by designs and illustrations that I love or admire can really get my creative juices going. The designs don’t even necessarily have to be of the same subject or style, sometimes just seeing designs I like puts me in the right frame of mind to be creative.

I suppose the only way there could be too much stimulation is if it detracts from your creative process. There needs to be a healthy balance between stimulating and inspiring—not distracting.

ARTSG: What is your creative process like?

JEREMY: I always start by having a good vision in my head of what I want to create. Sometimes I go straight to the computer and start drawing and I can continue drawing all day—if I have the time. It’s like I get lost in another world!

Other times I doodle a few sketches on paper. If I do this, it is always very rough and usually to help me with a layout or experiment how the space will work. I love to research, too. I like to find images that I know will inspire me as I create my designs.

My actual illustration process consists of two methods: using a mouse and using a drawing tablet. I love the freedom a drawing tablet gives me and I especially love using that for drawing curves or for hand-drawing lettering. I use my mouse for the more structured elements like drawing solid lines or set shapes.