Rock-eating crocodiles and the effects of technology. An unlikely pairing until you start chatting to Jake Williams. The Bournemouth-based artist recently released an illustrated children's book about reptiles, in an aim to educate little people about lesser known creatures.
When he's not learning about lizards, you can find Jake working multiple ideas into one illustration. Using shape based vector illustration, Jake often works with themes around science, culture and technology to reflect on the state of the world. Not long ago, Jake started helping us translate what we do, collective living, into stylish textural illustrations.
We caught up with him in Bournemouth to see where the magic happens, and pick up a few facts about his scaly friends.
Hey Jake, how's your day looking?
On a normal day I'm sat with a coffee, working on my latest projects while listening to a vinyl or podcast.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming an illustrator and animator?
I've always been interested in art, design and illustration. It was during my graphic communication A Level that I really developed a love for illustration. I took it further with an illustration degree at Plymouth College of Art, where I developed my illustration style and animation skills. I was lucky enough to be selected as New Designer of the Year at New Designers in London, which was a great starting point for my career!
Did you draw or make when you were a kid?
I really enjoyed drawing as a child, but I fell in love with illustration when I discovered digital forms of artwork. I also really enjoyed creating my own versions of my favourite band's album covers.
You recently released a beautiful illustrated book, Really Remarkable Reptiles! How did that come about?
I made a small version of this illustrated book as part of my final project at uni. Then I met the publisher Pavilion Children's books and signed a three book deal with them. It was a long but rewarding process, and it's been amazing to see the finished product in shops at The Natural History Museum or The Tate Modern!
Have you always had an interest in reptiles or was this something that grew out of the project?
I looked into children's non-fiction and noticed a gap within the popular market of non-fiction animal books. I felt reptiles were fascinating creatures and wanted to focus on some of the less well known animals within the category.
Can you tell us three things things about reptiles that you learned along the way?
1. Saltwater Crocodiles swallow stones on purpose in order to sink down in the water and help grind up the food in their stomach.
2. Chameleons don't actually change colour to match their surroundings, they do it for a range of other reasons (to manage their heat or to communicate).
3. You can tell a tortoise's age from the rings on its shell – much like a tree.
Wow, that's cool. So we peeked on your Instagram and saw that you are working on a second book. Can you tell us what to expect?
This is still under wraps, but I can say it will be packed full of exciting animals and adventure!
In what ways do you think illustration can improve the way we perceive our world?
Illustration can provide a beautiful and universal way of communicating ideas, thoughts and messages. It can help make complex information interesting, it can enhance learning and understanding and it makes our modern world more visually dynamic and exciting.
Can you give us some examples of references that have been rattling around your brain of late?
I love music and recently made my own version of a local festival poster (can be seen on my Instagram or website). I really enjoy responding to current events like the World Cup, the Olympics or popular TV and films.
Does your environment have an effect on your work?
A lot of my work features nature so I love being near places like the New Forest and Seaside to gain inspiration for projects. My illustration often features figures and characters so being in a busy town can definitely help influence these types of illustrations.
Where do you find inspiration for your character design?
It often depends on the project or brief but I enjoy accentuating the characters through their clothing to add fun and interesting layers of communication. A good example of this would be the 80s inspired dodgeball illustration I created for The Collective!
OK finally... what else would you like to explore through illustration or animation?
I would love to use illustration to explore the struggles people have with mental health and hopefully help people understand it. I would also love to create marketing illustrations for a music or sporting event; or illustrate a mobile game or app.
For more about Jake, head to his website.
