Today we are featuring Chris Taylor, an illustrator from Merseyside who specialises in producing illustrations for the publishing industry.

We asked him a few question about him and his artwork, of which the questions can be viewed below…

Hi Chris, first could you give us a bit of background info on yourself?

I have always loved books and magazines of all varieties, especially ones with interesting pictures and illustrations to accompany the text and felt it was a direction I should pursue. I started emailing my illustrations and designs to many, many magazines, e-zines, and publishers all across the world hoping for someone to take an interest. Luckily an Australian magazine Skive, wanted to use one of my illustrations. Skive then put me in touch with a publisher in New York for whom I now work for on a freelance basis.

I love the creative process it takes to design or produce the artwork for books, from reading the text, transferring my thoughts into images, input from the author (who I always like to be involved) and the publisher, finalising the digital images and sending them to print. The best part is receiving the finished book – very enjoyable no matter how many I have done.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Because I work for the Publishing Industry I get most of my inspiration from the publications and stories I read.

My favourite stories are usually fantasy and adventures so my art reflects that I think.

You have quite a distinctive style, how do you create this?

I prepare to use traditional methods to create an image, this is usually pencil sketches and pastels. Using a rubber and my fingers to create

marks, light and shade.

Most of my work is created this way though many have been digitally manipulated until I get the desired result.

What made you join Artybuzz?

The main reason I joined Artybuzz is because I enjoy sharing my artwork with like minded people.

Chris Taylor said that he is available for commissions and if anyone has a particular image they would like to have drawn in his style then to get in touch with him via his website and it can be arranged; Artybuzz could also handle any production as prints that you may want.