Hello Laurie! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, hello! I’m Laurie Stansfield, an illustrator living in Bristol in the UK. Brenda’s Revenge will be my 10th published book since joining my wonderful agents at Pickled Ink in 2018. In fact, it was the first book I worked on after maternity leave and now I’m reading the printed version to my two-year-old boy (who wants it read on repeat!)
How did you first approach the text for Brenda in terms of sketching up ideas and developing characters?
My process always begins with vast amounts of sketching in 2B pencil. I started with developing the characters as they are key to this story. (Particularly, the main girl and Brenda the cat.) Once I’d brought them to life, I was able to build on their relationship and animate them in my mind. I found Brenda the cat a wonderful challenge because her character relies hugely on visual storytelling.
The text doesn’t give her a voice and so she communicates with expression and body language. For Sarah Tagholm to hand over the control of the main character to the illustrator is a gesture of great trust! (Thank you!)
I wanted to be able to draw Brenda from different angles. Cats are fluid creatures and bonkers to draw (I think). They twist their heads and contort their bodies more than humans. I drew from reference as much as I could and then found a way to simplify this visual knowledge into my own style. Sketching is my favourite.
Which is your favourite spread from Brenda’s Revenge?
Bounce, bounce, bounce… the trampoline spread. It’s a simple spread full of movement and I LOVE drawing movement.
It was a collaborative image, Libby had the vision for this spread before the book even existed & I love that I was able to satisfy her vision.
That’s my favourite spread but I’m over the moon with the whole book. Shout-out to Ness for her design wizardry. It’s wonderful to hold the printed book and see the images & text sitting together.
What advice would you give a newly graduated illustrator?
My advice is:
- Illustration is needed, your skills are needed.
- Find ways to encourage and motivate yourself. e.g. habits, tools, people…
- Take time to walk (or run, that’s my vice!) to work through ideas and clear your head. A clear head helps navigate your way through the bamboozling illustration industry.
- Familiarise yourself with the industry, research and make notes for who you’d like to work with.
- Create images which demonstrate your skills. If you know the type of illustration you want to be commissioned for, then create illustration like these! Quality over quantity.
- Organise yourself & find your professional voice.
- Try illustration things, take opportunities, push outside your comfort zone to work out where your skills are strongest.
- Connect with people because we can’t do things on our own.
I was actually invited to write and lecture a module for 3rd year illustration students at the University of Gloucestershire, alongside colouring the artwork for Brenda’s Revenge, it was an incredible experience!
What are you currently reading?
I am reading as many picture books as I can to my two-year-old. The GIANT Jam Sandwich is a current favourite, (John Vernon Lord and Janet Burroway, 1972.) Books take on a new realm when read on repeat, it’s fascinating!
Who should we follow on Instagram?
You probably already do, but @dapsdraws (Dapo Adeola). His illustrations are awesome and he radiates genuine warmth and cares for the illustration community.
Can you show us a picture of your workspace?
I’ve been here since 2012 and I’m very lucky to have this space. I work from BV Studios in Bedminster and I share a room with seven other utterly fantastic women. My husband has a room in the building too with his cast iron printing press… You should come check out our open studios every April!
Do you have any events planned?
Yes! I’m thoroughly excited to be doing my first school events with Brenda alongside the WONDERFUL Storysmith bookshop in Bristol. I’m an enthusiastic person and I hope I can inspire these children, with drawing, but also with nurturing their own interest with stories. I love the idea that when a person reads a story it becomes theirs, it mingles with their perspective & experiences. I think this personal connection to a story can be magical. I’d love to remind the children that their interpretation of a story is valid. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my target audience too!
Thank you for having me on your blog!
