Northern Highlight - Chris Jevons

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHT

Chris Jevons

Why did you become an illustrator?

I’ve enjoyed drawing and doodling for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the 80s,  watching Saturday morning cartoons and playing video games on Nintendo and Sega consoles. Characters such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Simpsons had a huge effect on me growing up. 

In the early 90s, my parents bought our first family computer, an Amiga 500+ with Deluxe Paint 3 - a drawing and animation program that pre-dated Photoshop (I feel old)! I was instantly hooked and I made lots of pixelated drawings and animations. 

My parents and teachers encouraged me to draw, which helped me decide to study art and design after graduating from school. In college, I had the opportunity to meet a brilliant local children’s book illustrator called Ray Mutimer, known for illustrating Postman Pat annuals. Ray showed me his artwork and studio, which definitely inspired me to want to become a children’s book illustrator. 

After college, I studied 3d animation at Leeds Met University and I’ve worked in both graphic design and animation since then. At the end of 2012, I signed with my agents at The Bright Agency and I’ve illustrated over 60 children’s books now! These include phonics books, board books, early readers and now fiction titles and picture books.

Over the past few years, I’ve been illustrating some really fun fiction series including Nelly and the Monster Sitter by Kes Gray. I’ve just been busy finishing the first in a new gothic series called Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters by Jordan Kopy. 

I’ve also illustrated some fab picture books published this year including 101 Bums written by Sam Harper and My Daddy is Hilarious written by Gavin Puckett. My Daddy is Hilarious  was chosen to be read by Dermot O’Leary on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, this Fathers' Day. 

I also have two more picture books being published this year - 101 Spooky Bums and Goldilocks in Space, which is written by the amazing Peter Bently!  

Tell us about where you live.

I live in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. It’s a lovely Victorian town with lots of greenery, fields, woodlands and the Yorkshire Dales on my doorstep. 

Where do you illustrate? 

I’m mostly digital these days and draw at home 99% of the time. I have an Ikea sit / stand desk with a big 24” Wacom Cintiq Pro drawing tablet. It’s hooked up to my iMac and I also have an iPad Pro for doodling away form my desk (which rarely happens these days!). I’m surrounded by books and some artwork for inspiration. 

What for you is the 'spirit of the North’?

For me, the ‘spirit of the North’ comes from the friendly creative community. I’ve met and worked with many lovely people over the past ten years since freelancing. 

Has this spirit influenced your work?

Absolutely - especially in the early days of my illustration career. Working in different creative studios helped influence my artwork and direction early on. 

Who for you are the great northern illustrators?

I’m sure there are far too many name, haha! I do love Nick East’s picture books and fiction titles. Chris Mould’s artwork is also fantastic - his recent Iron Man artwork is incredible!

If you could be transported to anywhere in the North right now, where would it be? 

Either somewhere in the Dales for a walk and a nice pint of ale, or a trip to Edinburgh!   

What would you like to see from children's publishing in the North?

It’s fantastic Hachette are in the process of opening new offices here - I’m very much looking forward to seeing how things develop and it’s a great opportunity for the North. 

It’ll be great to meet more Northern artists and go to book events and launches. 

What's your favourite children's book set in the North?

I honestly can’t really think of any! We need more children’s books set up here, I think! 

You can find Chris on Instagram @ChrisJevonsIllustration and Twitter @Chris_Jev