Name/age/what you do
Ruth Joyce, 27, Freelance illustrator in London
What does your creative work involve?
I create both commercial and personalised illustration designs, from fashion to sports, wedding design to cityscapes. My work, which fuses hand drawn techniques with digital media, is modern, fierce and energetic. I am inspired by all things alternative; anything that is a bit different or unusual.
Describe a typical day
I think the main thing about being a freelancer is there is no typical day – I could spend the whole day working on a specific commission for a wedding, drawing up ideas for a commercial design or setting aside some time to update my website and do a new marketing plan. The main thing I am always trying to do is properly manage my time and make sure I fit everything in!
Tell us about one thing in your IdeasTap portfolio that you’re proud of
I am proud of the work I produced for Old Spitalfields Market last Christmas – it was a fairly daunting project at first but it was very rewarding. I had some amazing feedback from the shops involved and got some great work afterwards because of it.
How did you learn your craft?
I didn’t go to art collage or anything like that; I decided when I was a (quite obnoxious) 17 year old that I hated all art teachers and I hated the concept of exams in art. So instead I went to uni to study medieval history (I’m a massive history geek) and carried on working on my design work alongside it. Since then I’ve gone on short courses (such as at CSM) and really pushed myself to learn new things, explore new materials and ideas, as well as finding ways to meet other creative types.
Are there any big lessons that you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Being a freelancer is really, really hard work, and if you’re not prepared to put the work in, nothing will happen. No one else will do it for you, so you really have to commit to pushing yourself all the time. It can be exhausting, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.
In a parallel universe, what would you be doing instead?
Something with music I think – my dad is an Irish musician and I always wondered, if I wasn’t so wrapped up in art work would I have been a good musician? I’m not sure I’d be as good as him, though I do play a mean tin whistle.
What are you up to at the moment?
I am really focusing on Christmas at the moment. From September, I start taking personalised commissions as Christmas gifts. At one point last year I had one commission to do on Auckland and one on a heavy metal band; I love the variety! I also sell prints, tote bags, t-shirts etc through my site www.ruthjoyce.com, so do check out my things for any alternative and unique presents.
I am also currently working on a special wedding commission with an old school tattoo theme which is great fun!
Who are you looking to connect with on IdeasTap?
I have never really taken on a collaboration with someone and I’ve always thought it would be an awesome thing to do. I love the idea of putting together an alternative type of book with a specific theme that I would illustrate. Maybe if anyone is looking for an illustrator for a project like that they should get in touch!
For a chance to have your single or album cover designer by Ruth, visit our brief.
Would you like to be featured in Meet...? Get in touch ideasmag@ideastap.com
To be considered, you must have been an IdeasTap member for at least three months, have a photo on your profile and work uploaded to your portfolio.
Image courtesy of Ruth Joyce.
Sign up to IdeasTap for advice, funding, opportunities and our weekly newsletter – with all the latest arts jobs.
