This week we interviewed one of our contributors, Bryony Moss, a London based illustrator who is originally from Northumberland.

How did you get into illustrating?

I've always drawn and I've never really thought anything of it, I was constantly doodling at school. I did my BA in fashion design and I've only recently realised that I chose it because I loved drawing, particularly people. My time at school, college and university was full of people telling me that I should draw or I should be an illustrator but it only clicked after working within textiles for an embroidery atelier and a textiles designer where I was really encouraged to draw, that I thought ok, maybe this is something I should pursue further.

What do you love about what you do?

I love observing people and listening to the odd things they say sometimes. I adore the constant learning; there's always a new technique or printing process to try. Thoughts and feelings at the time go into each line. Sometimes I look back at a drawing and am reminded of an album I was listening to at the time. They act almost like a time capsule in that way!

Are there any characters/things you like to illustrate most? If so, what are they?

Mostly I enjoy drawing people which is probably from studying Fashion Design. I enjoy drawing hands too. I went through a phase at uni of just drawing hands and my illustrations became the prints for my final collection. I also love capturing facial expressions of annoyed cats.

How would you describe the style of your illustrations?

I would say it's very detailed. I think my training in textiles and embroidery has made me focus on detail so much. I love engravings so I apply a lot of similar mark making to my illustrations.

What tools do you use for your work?

Pens! I love pens, it's so bad how many I have and how many I keep buying. Paper too as I can't start an illustration on the computer, there's something about the feeling of the paper underneath my hand and the tension of a fineliner that you can't achieve with a tablet. Paper and pen are my preferred utensils however, I must admit I would be lost without my scanner, macbook and wacom tablet to finalise my illustrations.

What inspires you?

Oh so much! Carvings on buildings, kitsch ornaments in vintage shops and people's pets. I love living in London because there are so many incredible exhibitions to visit. My favourite was “Egon Schiele: The Radical Nude” at the Courtauld Gallery. I could have stayed there all day; his drawings are incredible. I collect postcards and I can happily while away the time trawling through vintage postcard collections.

Tell us a bit about your online store:

I've been selling prints, cards and papery goods through Etsy but I am also a newbie market trader and my first one was with the Crafty Fox Market community in the Bussey building in Peckham. It's been such a great way to gain feedback and develop my ranges. My next one will be on 12th of June at the Truman Brewery with the London Artisan which I am really excited for!

Where can people follow you

Follow me at @bryonymoss_illustration on Instagram, I blog every now and then on my website at bryonymoss.com and Twitter @BryonyMoss