The Artist du Jour Series continues with fellow SCAD grad, Hannah Jackson, and the lovely storybook stylings of her fantastic illustrations.  And just so you know, I am so jealous of the neatness which is her workspace!  Hannah…don’t be surprised if I start telling folks that that is a photo of my workspace.  Yeah, the ones that know me would never believe it…

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Artist du Jour: Hannah Jackson

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Who are you and what do you do?

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My name is Hannah Jackson. I am a freelance illustrator living in a little house in Jacksonville, Florida with my boyfriend, David, and our dog, Polly. Aside from painting I also like reading, making felt dolls, and playing the piano (occasionally).

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What’s a typical day in the life of Hannah Jackson like?

Letter Lover by Hannah Jackson

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My day usually begins around 9 a.m., and I start by reading. As an aspiring book illustrator it helps to get my brain working for the rest of the day. After reading and breakfast I head to my desk to check e-mail, etsy, internet stuff… then I get to work on whatever project I have in progress. I usually listen to podcasts all day while I work (mostly This American Life). Most recently I have been working on a painting for the local Riverside Arts Market’s outdoor art gallery, and on sketches for SCAD’s Sidewalk Arts Festival coming at the end of this month. I work until my boyfriend comes home from his job, I show him what I’ve done and get a little critique/input from him, and then we just relax for the evening. It’s a good life.

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Thank you! At first, yes. I work almost exclusively in watercolor and ink now, but until a couple of years ago they were some of my least favorite media. I used to think I would only ever work in oils, but their slow drying time isn’t practical for illustration, with such short deadlines. So after taking a watercolor class, and at the advice of a professor, I started using watercolors for my school projects and they began to feel so natural; I was working both more quickly and more confidently, and it feels like the longer I use this medium the more I fall absolutely in love with it. I think an artist’s style always comes through to them, no matter what medium they are working in. It’s hard to avoid yourself!

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Teleportation, hands down. I’d love to travel and to visit my good friends who live far away from me. Also, I hate driving. It’d be nice if I could teleport someone with me, but if not, maybe flight… maybe I could carry them by the hands.

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Where do you find your inspiration?

A lovely work in progress.