Say hello to... Yasmin Hood

As part of the lead up to our exciting Christmas event we asked our featured designer/makers to answer a few questions about themselves and their work...

First up, Illustrator & designer Yasmin Hood:

1) Tell us a little about how you first started making/designing/crafting - and how long have you been doing it?

I've always been a bit of a maker and doodler but the need to pay the rent got in the way of my ambition, so it was just a hobby. This was until we moved from Bristol to London and I didn't have a job so my husband encouraged me to pursue my creative ambition. I went to college to do my foundation at age 30 and then went on to study Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. 

2) What are some of the things that inspire you and your work?

I tend to go put pen to paper and see what happens. I have limited time to overthink my work so if I'm drawing and something is happening then I go with that. Humans and animals tend to be my subject matter. I love children's drawings, anything that is expressive and free. 

3) What is the most challenging part of what you do?

Finding the time to finish work around having two small children! My children's book 'Amazing Animals' was made during my daughters nap times and took 15 months to finish. I have a 6 month old son too, we have just moved house, I'm writing a new children's book, making prints, the plus side is I now have a studio at home so I can dip in and out of things. I wouldn't have it any other way though.

4) What is your favourite part about the work you do?

I love how I don't feel the need to stick to a style. This was my biggest problem during my studies, the feeling that this was important to create a brand around myself. I make what I love and that changes. It keeps my practice fresh and keeps me learning.
 

6) Any advice for other designer/makers just starting out?

Do what feels right to you. Work very hard. Try and do even half an hour of something creative and don't care about what other people think. Keep your practice fresh!

Thanks Yasmin!

See more of Yasmin's work here.