Community Manager
25 Jun, 2018
Getting to know Hayley Wells

Launching the first in a new series of blog posts, we talk to Illustrator, Hayley Wells. As we work together to build a sense of Creative Community in Chelmsford, we’ll interview those living, working and playing in our city, on subjects ranging from what inspires them and advice to their former selves, to showcasing projects they are working on a the moment.

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Hayley Wells and I’m an illustrator and designer making prints, cards, and small press publications.

Who or what inspires you?
I’m really inspired by the DIY spirit of punk, especially the Riot Grrrl scene of the 90s. Also my cat features quite heavily in my work so it’s fair to say she inspires me quite a lot too

How did you get to this point?
I studied illustration before working as a designer in children’s publishing for several years. I have just graduated from an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art and am now a fully-fledged freelancer! I started doing fairs and workshops partway through my MA to help fund it, gain experience, and to experiment with new processes. Now those things form a big part of my creative life.

What’s been your toughest experience so far?
Juggling studies and freelance work whilst suffering from depression.

What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a private commission as well as a couple of personal narrative projects: a queer gothic ghost story and a post-apocalyptic picture book.

What have you found is the best way to spread the word about what you do?
I use instagram regularly but real life fairs and events often result in the most loyal supporters.

What is your proudest achievement?
Finishing my MA with a distinction.

What single piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t change your work to fit with what’s popular – be authentic and embrace your weird, morbid fascination.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
RuPaul’s Drag Race and bad B-movies from the 80s.

Hayley is running two workshops at Chelmsford Library, Friday 29th June. One is on character design for picture books and comics, the other, which we are particularly excited about, is on zine-making.  Hayley also has a stall at the House of Illustration Summer Fair in London on Saturday 30th June.

Character design workshop:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2104467193135464

Zine-making workshop:
https://www.facebook.com/events/453314465116029

 

Related articles.

Hylands Stables Studios – Available Now

Hylands Stables Studios – Available Now

Shout Out to Makers, Artists, and Designers! Exciting News! 2 prime ground floor studios have become available at Hylands Estate – stunning spaces nestled in the charming Stables. Why You’ll Love It: Exclusive Ground-Floor Spaces: Enjoy working and selling in our...

read more
Member of the Month: Kirsty Cornell

Member of the Month: Kirsty Cornell

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Kirsty Cornell. How would you describe...

read more
Making Time for Creativity

Making Time for Creativity

As a lifelong procrastinator, it has taken me a while to write this blog. Do you know what the hardest part was? Just actually, properly starting. Often I tell myself that creative tasks will take too long, or I’m too tired, or I’m too busy – and, yes, sometimes those...

read more

Email: ku.gro.drofsmlehcetingi@olleh

Facebook
Twitter

SideMenu