Sue Todd

Website: www.suetodd.com
Email:
Phone: 416-784-5313

Sue Todd has been an illustrator for close to 20 years. Her style is often called whimsical and the technique is linocut colourized in Photoshop.

1. When did you start illustrating (for clients professionally?)

I transitioned from freelance retail designer to illustrator in the mid-nineties. Looking for a creative outlet, I picked up a block of linoleum and some carving tools and started to mess around. Who would have thought I’d make a career out of it?

2. Who are your biggest influences?

I am heavily influenced by medieval woodcuts and folk art. Artists I look to for inspiration include, Jim Flora, Jose Francisco Borges, Henri Rousseau and Tim Burton.

3. What is your work process?

My technique employs the same relief printmaking process used for woodcuts but with linoleum as the medium. I create rough sketches on the ipad using Procreate, then transfer the approved sketch to a sheet of linoleum for carving. With relief printing you carve away the negative space, so it is the opposite of drawing. The finished carving is rolled with ink for hand printing then scanned into Photoshop for colour.

4. What would you name as the biggest strength of your illustrations?

I guess it would be the consistency of my art. After all these years of working in linoleum I have literally carved out a distinctive illustration style.

5. Do you have any formal education in art?

I graduated from the Ontario College of Art, now OCADU.

6. Where do you see the future of illustration?

We illustrators are adept at evolving and changing with the times, and I believe artists will continue to find new markets, whether it is licensing or writing and illustrating their own stories.  Technology and social media have made it possible for illustrators to communicate directly with their audience.

7. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone considering a career in illustration, what would it be?

Be tenacious and passionate. Build your skills and follow your bliss.

8. Last words?

We are lucky as creatives to have tangible skills to keep us focused and direct our path in life.

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