Spotlight On LFA Illustrator Meg Skinner
To build a diverse, representative and relevant digital library, it’s important that Library For All seeks out talented writers and illustrators from around the world. Our library includes work by creative people at all stages of their professional journey, from established authors to emerging artists.
Meg Skinner is a professional artist living in Italy’s Umbrian hills. Her distinctive, hand painted, watercolour illustrations appear in several of Library For All’s latest publications.
We asked Meg a few questions about her life as an artist.
It wasn’t surprising to hear that Meg has always been a creative person. “I come from a creative family, ” Meg told us. “My mother was a sculptor, and my father a musician.” Meg studied illustration and graphic design at Camberwell College of Art and emerged with 1st class Honours. But despite always enjoying art and design, she only became a professional illustrator last year, when she decided to make her work available on Upwork. In addition to online commissions, she paints portraits and takes freelance graphic design work.
When it comes to illustrating picture books, Meg enjoys the way a story inspires her creativity. She begins with the mental imagery the story conjures, then conducts some research if she needs to flesh out ideas. She believes a good illustration should really “capture the story”, summarising the words and providing context.
She recently had a great compliment. Her local priest arrived on the doorstep to bless the house for Easter. As he passed through the hallway he noticed a portrait on an easel. He immediately asked if Meg would paint his portrait! He obviously recognised her impressive skill as an artist.
At Library For All, we are thrilled to have connected with Meg online. She has illustrated several books for our growing PNG library and we look forward to working with her again in future.
