SIAN BOWMAN
Sian Bowman is a freelance illustrator based in Herefordshire, UK, who specializes in illustrating children’s books and creating artwork for kids.
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CREATIVE STATEMENT
I have always been interested in children’s books. My ‘light bulb’ moment happened when my sister Jody and I went to the video shop and accidentally picked a film about ‘how to draw Garfield’, I remember avidly watching how the characters were developed and I have never looked back. I completed an MA in Fine Art at Aberystwyth University and I began freelancing in 2012. I admire so many storytellers of old and new I especially love Beatrix Potter and Roger Duvoisin. I have experience working on many project including children’s picture books, board books and toy design. I endeavour to capture a fluidity of line and the feeling captured in an initial sketch. My work is gentle with a sense of movement and I aim to spark the viewers imagination with many hidden details. I very much enjoy the communication side of Illustration and take care in hitting just the right note in an Illustration for the author.
RECENT CLIENTS
- Warmies
- Jellycat
- Central 23 Greeting Cards
- Owlet Press
Q&A
What was your favorite storybook as a child?
I have so many, but in particular I remember poring over the pages of Peter Rabbit and I loved listening to my Dad reading the Beatrix Potter collection. I can still remember the excitement of hearing the stories and also the comfort of knowing what was going to happen next.
Which authors do you admire most?
I feel so grateful to Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury for the story We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. I remember it fondly as a child but it came to life reading it with my own children. Before my daughter turned two I have a recording of her turning the page and telling the story. From memory she knew the rhythm, rhyme and pacing of the book, it helped her develop her language and it was so special to experience the joy of each page with her.
What characteristic really brings a children’s book to life?
When the words and pictures work together to build the scenes and make the story come to life. When there are small details in the Illustrations that tell further stories. For instance a character in the background may crop up in a few scenes and the Illustrator has the opportunity to show their personality and relationship to the central story, complimenting the words without distracting from them.