Interview: Willa Gebbie

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a Scottish illustrator working from London and Berlin. I’m self-taught, and I’ve been working as an illustrator for about 3-4 years, since changing career from being a research scientist.

What inspired you to begin your artistic career?

I have always enjoyed the process of drawing and harboured regret that I never went to art school. I think like most people, I dreamed of doing something that I loved. I wanted to spend my days painting. I was lucky to have some very supportive friends and family who gave me the strength to change career

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

As well as the usual socialising, I’m a big fan of travelling, yoga and I’m currently learning Chinese (slowly). I’ve just started my first Chinese blog. It’s a bit pathetic at the moment, but I’m hoping that with time it will become a useful learning tool.

Do you have any favourite artists out there?

I have so many favourites. Illustration wise, I love the work of Daniel Egnéus, Anna Halarewicz, Cecilia Carlstedt and of course David Downton

Who’s your personal style icon and why?

I love women like Iris Apfel, Vivienne Westwood and Julie Verhoeven, who are creative and quirky and aren’t afraid of colour. I’d like to to dress more like them, but I always stay too safe.

Do you have a favourite piece of artwork?

I tend to prefer modern and contemporary art and I always fall in love with an artists body of work over a single piece so it’s hard to choose one piece that stands out.

Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

I’m currently working on a collaboration with a photographer and make-up artist, which has been great. I’m hoping to do some more collaborations this year.

How do you see yourself in five years time?

I’d like to be doing a lot of what I’m doing now, but hopefully with larger scale, more complex pieces. I’d also like to paint more with oils.

Click here to see the rest of Willa’s portfolio.