Sue Gent

Sue Gent is an Exeter-based illustrator known for her vibrant images inspired by history, mythology and the natural world. She tells us more about her work, including commissions for author Joanne Harris and plans for the future…

What do you do?

I draw pictures! Mainly for books and magazines. I specialise in images of history, mythology and the natural world. I hand-draw my illustrations with a brush and ink, then colour them using Photoshop. I work from an office in my garden, in Exeter. Hot in the summer, cold in winter - hopefully that’s character-building.

‘Rural Myths’

How did you get started?

I’ve had an unusual career path! I graduated from UWE Bristol and then started working in production for small animation companies, making short films and music videos, including Radiohead’s There, There. But I was itching do something more hands-on creative, so I taught myself Adobe Photoshop and InDesign and worked as a graphic designer until I eventually took the plunge, went freelance and moved gradually into illustration. Really it’s what I always wanted to do – it just took me a while to figure out how to get there!

Who do you work with and why?

I work for book publishers (I’ve recently finished my third book cover for author Joanne Harris) as well as creating lots of illustrations for magazines. I’ve signed with an agent (IllustrationX), and they’ve introduced me to things like packaging and wallpaper, so that’s opening up a whole new world for me. One favourite recent job was an illustration for Poet Laureate Simon Armitage’s poem ‘An Idea Arrived’, featured in Popshot literary journal.

What keeps you going when things get tough?

The research process for an illustration can be really interesting; I’ve learned a lot about some really weird topics over the years. I get asked to do a lot of historical and mythological illustrations, and I’m becoming a bit of a nerd on those subjects. I love coming up with ideas for illustrations – imagining something and then trying to make it a reality.

If I’m having a hard day, I try to remember that illustration is very much a marathon, not a sprint – and focus on how my work has evolved and improved over the years.

Name one thing that would make your life easier as an artist or arts organiser.

I moved to Exeter from Bristol a couple of years ago and there’s so much beautiful countryside around here to hike, bike and swim in – I would love more time to do those things. Illustration often means long hours at my desk; I try to balance things out with a good stomp around Dartmoor whenever I can.

Talk us through a favourite project.

Self-initiated artwork is probably my favourite thing. I sell prints and cards of my work online and (pre-Covid) at art fairs or exhibitions. I love meeting people this way – both visitors and other artists. There’s so much to learn from talking to other people about their art, as well as discussing your own. I find it really helps me clarify what I’m trying to do with my work.

‘Eddystone Lighthouse’

What does the next year look like for you?

I am about to start my first fully illustrated book! I’m not allowed to talk about it yet, but it’s going to be a big challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.

What’s been the best moment for you in the last year?

Probably the reaction to the Joanne Harris book covers – she has a big following of loyal fans who have been so appreciative of them. It’s made me really happy to read their comments and has been a big boost to my confidence (which we all need, from time to time).

In what ways are you helping to put Exeter on the cultural map?

I run the Devon and Cornwall Illustrators group. It was originally just an Exeter group, but we’ve opened it up to a wider audience – it seemed that, particularly during lockdown, people from further afield could really benefit from a bit of support. The group is for illustrators at any level to come together and share experiences, tips and advice. We hold meet-ups, events and exhibitions (when we can) but also online events on behalf of the Association of Illustrators. Illustration can sometimes feel very London-centric, so I’m all for shouting about how many talented people there are ‘down here’.

What have you been doing during lockdown?

My partner and I both work from home anyway, so to be honest, not a great deal has changed. The hardest thing has been missing friends and family, gigs and pubs – but like a lot of people, I’ve been finding pleasure in simple things like cooking, reading and walking. I realise I’m lucky to still be able to work, and that my commute is only about six feet from the house...

‘An Idea Arrived’

What if ..?

I’d love to get the word out about the Devon and Cornwall Illustrators group, as it’s quite new (since the expansion from Exeter). We welcome input from all illustrators, and hope to create strength in numbers. The aim is to support each other in an industry that can often be tough and isolating, even without lockdown! So if people have a question about any aspect of illustration, or know of a local event, a great printer, a fabulous training workshop, a sketch group – or if they’d like to get involved in any way – we’d love to hear from them. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram.

How do we find out more?

You can find out more on my website and follow me on Instagram.

For the Devon and Cornwall Illustrators, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram.