Charlie Brandon-King

I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer and love losing myself in stories, I would even write and illustrate the covers of my own books when I was little. When I finally realised this is what I wanted to pursue, illustration felt like a very natural direction.

I’m sure a huge part of my passion came from my mum though, she has a particular affinity with textiles (an amazing quilter), but could turn her hand to so many things and growing up around that creativity definitely wore off on me. I think being surrounded by fabric with all its patterns and designs planted more than a few seeds too!

I grew up on a farm in Devon and spent a lot of time out in the fields, by the river and in the woods, so nature and the environment are in my blood. There is so much beauty in our natural world and I’m drawn towards the colours, patterns and shapes, as well as feeling an inherent connection to it. I also love folklore and traditional craft and design, it says so much about people and where they/ we came from; a heritage that I believe is so important to know and look after.

I like the freedom of using lots of different materials and collect a lot of papers, fabrics, ephemera etc for collage and craft and drawing.

I do have a particular love of print though; block printing gives such an incredible quality in the texture and line and having something created by such a hands-on process, like lino-cutting, makes it particularly special. I love the fact it’s such an old process for art and illustration and that it inextricably connects you with your work.

I can’t help but be planning or drawing or making something, so the freedom and flexibility to share my passion with other people, whilst satisfying my own creative impulse is a wonderful thing. I love what I do and feel very lucky to be able to do it.

An explorer. I’m as happy with a map in my hand out on the hills, as with a roller in the studio (as you can see on my Instagram). I love exploring and try to get out into nature hiking and camping as much as I possibly can. There’s something very grounding and meditative about being outdoors and breathing fresh air – I get itchy feet very quickly if I’m in the city for too long! It’s also fantastic inspiration for my work, particularly at this time of year, with the shift in colours and landscapes.