Natasha Rimmington
My name is Natasha Rimmington, I’m 23, and currently live in Stirling, Scotland. Last year I graduated from the University of Lincoln, and was fortunate to gain representation from the Bright Agency, who do a wonderful job at finding me work! I specialise in children’s illustration and love drawing animal characters; especially bears. I spend most of my day illustrating, but when I’m not doing that I love hiking, camping and visiting the near by zoo.
When did you decide you wanted to be illustrator?
I think I’ve always wanted to do something art-based; animation, painting, illustrating… but never really believed I could have a career doing so until mid-way through University. A huge changing point for me was when children’s book illustrator visited us, and critiqued our work. It made me realise that there was a career in illustrating, and teamed with my love of character designing, seemed perfect for me.
Would you recommend studying at art school?
Although not ‘Art School’, after finishing my A-levels, I did a foundation in Art and Design at NCN (New College Nottingham), which really helped to develop my skills and confidence before I began Uni. We had lots of crazy projects, I particularly remember trying to build a helter-skelter out of dried spaghetti! (And if you’re wondering, no, it didn’t turn out well). But mainly, it gave me a chance to explore different methods of drawing and find what materials I was most comfortable working with. The Foundation course was a lot of fun, and I would certainly recommend it.
After that I went onto Uni to study Illustration, which again was a great experience, and made me realise that I wanted a career drawing. I met loads of great people, and learnt a lot about illustration; not just the practical side, but how to manage my time and work to briefs. It’s a lot of work, but certainly worth it!
Could you describe your typical day?
As soon as I’m awake, I’m up and at my desk with coffee in one hand and my graphics tablet in the other. Usually I spend some time planning out new ideas, before moving onto colouring, line-work or whatever my plan is for the day. I always have music on while working, but I’m not sure my neighbours appreciate my taste in Black Metal. There never seems enough time in the day to get everything done!
What’s the best thing about being an illustrator?
The best thing is that I get lots of really fun and interesting briefs to work with; and get to draw all day. The bonus that I can work at my own pace, from the comfort of my own room certainly helps. Getting positive feedback on work always brightens my day.
What’s the worst thing about being an illustrator?
Hmmm. I think it’s the unpredictable nature of the job. Some weeks I’ll have plenty to do, and other weeks I’ll have no idea when my next project will be. Having a more predictable income would be nice, but I know that I’m just starting out, and it will get easier as it goes along.
If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?
Thats a very good question! I’ve never given it much thought, but it would probably be something art related- probably animation. Every year I say I’ll try make a stop-motion short, but have yet to get round to it. Who knows, maybe this year I will!
