Meet Jane Newland, an illustrator from Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Jane graduated from Maidstone College of Art with a degree in Illustration, and since then her extensive freelance experience has covered a range of clients, including Anthropologie, Roger La Borde, The Art Group, Flow Magazine, Harper Collins and more. Jane works mostly digitally now and has a bit of an obsession with detail.

What was your inspiration for Mojave Mirage?

My inspirations for Mojave Mirage were the amazing patterns and colours of the desert…the beautiful flora and fauna and the wonderful landscapes.

What inspires your art in general?

My art is mostly inspired by the natural world around me. I’m a little obsessed with the details!

Was being an artist your dream?  Were you artistic as a child? 

I was artistic as a child. Growing up in a very artsy family, there was no avoiding it! And I’ve always loved it. I did have a fleeting dream of being a classical musician (I play the flute and piano), and then I went to Art College.

How and when did you begin as a professional artist?

I’ve freelanced here and there since leaving college, although until I had my daughter I worked other jobs too. I worked extremely hard for a couple of years on my personal work, and then I was signed by the wonderful Bright Agency. I am now, at long last, a full time illustrator, working on children’s books and art licensing, and I’m having an absolute blast!

What is your purpose when creating a piece of art?

Oh gosh! I suppose I’m trying to convey the beauty and magic of the natural world. Maybe to encourage people to look a little harder, look a little closer at the amazing colours and patterns around us.

 When creating your artwork, do you have a process?

I have a little think, then I dive straight in!  I work on a Microsoft Surface Pro, drawing directly on the tablet screen and I use Photoshop, which is like having the biggest artbox but without the mess.

If you weren’t creating art, what would you be doing for a living?  

I can't really imagine doing anything else now.

Do you have any causes that you are active in helping support?

I do! I’ve done a few card designs for Rwanda Aid, a wheelchair wheel cover design for Izzywheels, and I’ve just finished a print for Sketch for Survival / Explorers Against Extinction online auction.

What is the most interesting thing about you that most people do not know about you?

I’ve been asked this before, and the only remotely interesting thing I can think of is that I have perfect pitch and double jointed thumbs.

What’s your favorite music?

I love it all…from classical to contemporary, and pretty much everything in between, though maybe not heavy rock.

Does fashion influence your art?

Yes, I do keep an eye on trends in the fashion industry – colours, themes etc.

Your favorite neighborhood and restaurant to hang out?

I’m too busy working to hang out!