An Interview With Illustrator Jade Shields

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Jade Shields, 21 and from Northern Ireland but currently based in Liverpool. I’m a second year Graphic Design and Illustration Student at Liverpool John Moore’s university. Art and Fashion are my two main passions, which I try and mix together as much as I can.

What inspired you to begin your artistic career?

I have always been surrounded by art from a very young age. My dad is an impressive self-taught painter and as I child I always had a paintbrush or pencil to create something. I believe that being artistic is a gift and something that needs to be constantly practiced to get better and better.

What do you do when you’re not using your creative brain?

That’s a difficult question as everything I love to do is about being creative and self- expression, I love yoga and currently looking at the practice of Buddhism and how it can help the creative mind. I also like to travel around Northern Ireland, moving away to the city made me realise how much I love the countryside. On a normal day I will be listening to Ben Howard, drinking tea and looking for new opportunities.

Do you have any favourite artists out there?

I have a lot of favourite artists, Erin Petson creates beautiful fashion illustrations, I love the brush strokes she creates and how free and playful her style and colour choice is. Sally Faye Cotterill is another favrourite, her work is very graphically pleasing on the eye and she also has a great colour palette

Who’s your personal style icon and why?

My wardrobe consists of a colour palette of Black and White- Leather and sheer are my favorites but coming into the spring I will try and mix in some pastel colours. Rita Ora is one of my favourite’s from her hair to her wardrobe she is a great fashion icon.

Do you have a favourite piece of artwork?

That Is difficult, as there is a lot of artwork out there, one of my favourite images is one that I remember my dad having as a child and it is the album art of Santana. The image is a Lion head that has a lot of other images inside, like an illusion.

Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Now that is the summer I’m currently thinking of new exciting projects I can begin, I’m currently buying a sewing machine to create some new pieces and I’m also looking at the possibility of creating jewellery. I’m always looking to meet new people that are also interested in the arts, so the summer is the best time to get involved in a lot of different projects.

How do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years time, my dream would be to have my own business; I’m interested in a LOT of things so I want to incorporate all my passions into one. I’m very passionate and believe that anyone can achieve their dreams, they just have to work for it.

Click here to visit Jade’s Facebook.