Northern Highlight - Ros Beardshaw

 NORTHERN HIGHLIGHT

ROS BEARDSHAW

Why did you become an illustrator?
I always loved drawing, more than anything else in the world, and so I copied characters from books from and early age, particularly Snoopy. I learned how facial expressions can change simply by drawing an eyebrow in a different position.
 
After school, I went on to do an Art Foundation Course, then a degree course specialising in illustration at Manchester Polytechnic. Amongst others, I was taught by David Hughes and Jill Barton who were successful illustrators. Their influence was strong. 
 
I was fortunate enough to exhibit my degree show work at the ‘Young Designers’ show in London which was a brilliant launch pad for me. I was picked up by art buyers for the greetings card market and also by my agent, Heather Richards, who I’ve been with for almost 30 years! After a few years designing cards and giftwrap, I got in to educational publishing and then children’s publishing, my first picture book was with Bloomsbury. I love my work and feel very fortunate to be doing something that I enjoy. 
 
 Published by Alana Max
 Published by Egmont
  Published by Nosy Crow

                                                 Tell us about where you live.
I live in York with my two children and a mad hairy lurcher called Twiglet. I grew up in Sheffield, so Yorkshire is definitely home to me.
Where do you illustrate?
I share a small studio in a business wing at a school in York. I walk down the river path to it with my dog. It’s a lovely commute.
What to you is the ‘spirit of the north’?
Friendliness, warmth, not taking yourself too seriously and a chat on the street corner with a stranger. 
Has this spirit influenced your work?
Yes! I like to think that my northern sense of humour is evident in my work.
 
 
 
Published by Walker Books

Who for you are the great northern illustrators?
I love the work of Helen Stephens and Chris Mould, amongst others.
If you could be transported to anywhere in the North right now, where would it be? 
For an urban fix, Sheffield or Newcastle. For coast, Robin Hoods Bay. For rural, the Yorkshire Wolds, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Moors. There are so many places I love up here!
What would you like to see from children’s publishing in the North?
Representation in all its guises.
What’s your favourite children’s book set in the north?
Kes by Barry Hines



For more information, please check out:
Twitter: @RosBeardshaw

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