For today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx I interviewed Jo Askey of Askey Illustration, one of your favorite artists (definitely one of mine). Jo sent along some really great pics to showcase her work, so enjoy!
1. What’s the name of your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?
My business is called Askey illustration (Etsy Shop), although it should really be called Askey illustration and Graphic Design but that is a bit too much of a mouthful. Not the most imaginative name, I admit, but at least it doesn’t leave people guessing.
I create artwork, illustrations and greetings cards. I am also a graphic designer specializing in branding and corporate identity.
It all started when I returned to study after having my second child, nearly four years ago. I think I must have been very lucky because my business seems to have progressed naturally and I have been kept busy ever since!
2. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.
For me, Indie stands for ‘originality’. An indie creator is independent, they don’t work a conveyer belt, instead they create items with care and imagination. Wonderful handmade items are an oasis of charm in an often mass produced world.
3. What are your inspirations?
I am often inspired by my two kids, and their many items of ‘kid paraphernalia’. It’s the details that inspire me – little buttons, children’s shoes, mittens, and retro toys. I am also inspired by architecture and typography so sometimes just combine everything.
4. What three things can’t you live without?
That’s an easy one, not ‘things’ as such…but, my husband, my daughter and my son.
5. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?
Favourite blogs –
UK Handmade – I am very proud to be involved in the creation of the UK Handmade magazine, I design the layout and ‘look’. The blog is always a great read too – it’s fab)
Manchester Craft Mafia Blog – keeps me up to date on local happenings
The Moo Blog – “My name is askey and I am a moo card addict.” I have to pinch myself that I really am a moo designer, I love the mini cards with a passion.
For magazine inspiration I would probably turn to Creative Review or Selvedge.
I have many favourite shops, but am currently lusting work by nonsuch, a hand bound sketchbook by Chalk Hill Studio and earlier Santa recently stopped by my house with goodies for the kids from cutedesigns.
6. What are you reading, watching and listening to?
reading – The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by JK Rowling (this is actually a book my eldest got for Christmas and she doesn’t know I’m reading it so keep it hush…)
watching – The last film I watched was Peter and the Wolf an animation directed by Suzie Templeton. It was just stunning.
listening to – Twice by Little Dragon
Hi Jo!
So great to read more about Jo and see more of her work. Jo designed my logo and the banner for my Etsy shop, and she’s just wonderful to work with 🙂