Ask an Artist: Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden, Illustrator
Season 5, Episode 6: Interview with Dr Curtis Tappenden, Illustrator
In this episode, Peter and Tom interview Dr Curtis Tappenden about his 30+ year career as a professional illustrator.
In the first part of the episode, Curtis talks about his love of art and drawing in childhood and how creativity has always been at the heart of what he wanted to do. His support from his family and key teachers was fundamental in fostering his early interest and talent and ultimately this led him to art school. Once at art school and introduced to illustration, he was hooked!
Curtis recalls stories from his early career, which helped him to build experience and expertise and how his curiosity was potentially the key to garnering further opportunities to grow, build his business and develop his practice. He shares some of his artistic influences from past and present and talks about why he has a passion for reportage illustration.
In the second part of the episode, Curtis talks about the qualities needed to be a good illustrator and explains the different clients you may find yourself working for in the profession. Through stories and examples, Curtis explains what his working day or week can look like, from initial conversation to being given a brief, through working roughs to a finished piece of work.
Peter, Tom and Curtis conclude the episode by talking about the illustrator’s role, relevance and importance in today’s world.
This week’s takeaway… find out more about Curtis on his website: https://curtistappenden.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtis.tappenden/?hl=en-gb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curtis.tappenden/?locale=en_GB
Photos courtesy of Curtis Tappenden
This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.
For more information please visit Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art Supplies: www.jacksonsart.com
Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA.
