Exposed catches up with Chloe, a Sheffield-based freelance illustrator and animator whose work celebrates the power of nature, LGBTQ+ communities and the Steel City itself.
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into illustration?
I have been interested in illustration from a young age, having been drawing for as long as I can remember, and art was always my favourite lesson in school. I became serious about it when I was doing my GCSE and A levels, as I was having to make decisions for my future and knew it was something I wanted to carry on with. It helped me get through many difficult times in my life and still does. I use art as a form of therapy for my mental wellbeing.
You work across a range of mediums – pen/ink, watercolour, digital. Do you have a preferred style?
I love working with different mediums as each give a different effect and can create a whole new piece. My preferred medium would probably be pen/ink, which I used for the Sheffield Buildings project, as I have always been interested in the architectural line drawing style and wanted to use the clean lines to show the beauty of the local buildings. I enjoy learning how to use new mediums and experimenting, usually working out what I want to use based on what I visualise in my mind and what I think will create the best effect.
What sort of themes inspire you creatively?
I am inspired by nature and plants, trying to incorporate leaves and foliage into most of my work, and they are often the main drive behind my project ideas. Another theme I focus on is bringing attention to the LGBTQ+ community and making art that normalises it. As part of the community, I want to make sure I am using my skills and voice in the best way. I also want to draw what I connect with, in the hope it does the same for others. Some things I am passionate about are fighting climate change, saving the planet, feminism and stopping animal cruelty. These are all themes I am hoping to touch on in my future work.
Do you have any pieces or series of work that you’re particularly proud of?
I would say my Sheffield Buildings project – it has been my most successful in terms of interest and shows my skills in the best way. Sheffield is very important to me as it is where I have grown up and I love the pride that people share for their city. There is so much wonderful art surrounding Sheffield and different areas of the city, made by amazing local artists who each put their own spin on it. I change my style and themes a lot, but the Sheffield drawings stay consistent in their style and are now noticeably mine, which I love.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received as an artist?
How important networking is and putting your name out there. Your work can go unnoticed, no matter how talented you are, but if you speak to people and push it, you can get yourself noticed. A lot of degrees and teachings focus on the skills and history behind art, which is important, but don’t always discuss what happens after. Having those networking skills is so important in securing further work and knowing how to market yourself.
How do you find being a creative in Sheffield?
I love it! I think I’m very lucky to be here as there are so many opportunities and the community is so large and supportive. There are countless markets and independent businesses all willing and eager to display your work and support you. Through my other work, I have also met other creatives linking to other industries, which has helped me step into other roles and work with a variety of groups.
What have you been working on recently?
For the last few months, I have been able to go full-time freelance as an illustrator for a studio, which has been an amazing experience as I’ve had the opportunity to work on illustrations for big names and TV shows. Although quite busy, I am still open for commissions and looking for new artistic opportunities while working on new designs in my own time. I’m planning more Sheffield Building designs and beginning a new project based on nature and the changing landscape. The idea behind it is that no matter how much we try, Mother Nature will never bend to our will and she will always claim back what’s hers.
