Meet our Creative Partner, Niamh Shaw
I’m Niamh Shaw, freelance Illustrator from West Linton in the Scottish Borders. I love to create work capturing the fun and energy of being outside in the Great Outdoors.
I am a passionate and experienced artist creating captivating illustrations that bring stories to life from digital art to traditional media. I love exploring new concepts and pushing creative boundaries. I am versatile, using various styles and techniques such as graphite pencil line, experimenting with printing techniques and paint, to create innovative illustrations for a variety of projects including childrens‘ picturebooks.
I graduated with a Masters in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art (2023) and achieved my Undergraduate degree, B.Des in Illustration, at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in 2020. Both degrees have prepared me to create work of a high standard as a working Illustrator.
As a freelance illustrator, I have completed commissions from well established businesses to private members of the public, in addition to selling my own work at markets and local shops.
Getting to know Niamh
Tell us a little about yourself—what drew you to your craft, and how did your journey begin?
I've always enjoyed drawing and creating since being a small girl. It was my happy place. I've achieved a BDes Hons in Illustration from DJCAD, Dundee in 2020, but felt like I hadn't found my superpower yet. During my Masters in Children's Book Illustration I fell in love with developing my craft in Illustration and storytelling
What excites you most about the work you do?
Problem solving! And developing my visual identity. I love exploring new media and capturing what I see and feel around me, especially the Great Outdoors. I love the response of the people viewing my work when they enjoy it. It’s a wonderful feeling making people smile.
What’s one project or piece of work that you’re most proud of, and why?
That’s a difficult question, I think its normally what I’m working on at present but looking back the project that sparked my love of picturebooks is Spirit Bear. It was the catalyst towards wanting a career in Illustration and influenced me to do my Masters. It was also based on my favourite place, BC Canada. The projects I completed in my Masters; The Kerfuffled Dragon and The Scottish Alphabet, are the projects where my newly required skills and confidence took place and were the precursor to me becoming a professional Illustrator.
Every creative journey has its challenges—what’s one obstacle you’ve overcome, and how did it shape you?
The art world is very subjective and there are some harsh critics. But feedback is always useful and so I have learnt to be open to making mistakes and developing my work from that. It’s a hard industry but if you love it you will keep going and build confidence. You never stop learning and developing.
If you could capture the essence of your creative style in three words, what would they be?
Energetic, Humorous and Imaginative
How do you see your work as part of a larger story?
My background in Illustration stems from communication design. So all my work in different forms communicates a narrative through images. The role of an illustrator is to try and capture what it’s like to be in other people’s shoes, sense of place and emotion. I think having these at the core of a larger story helps communicate and resonate with the viewer.
Creativity and collaboration often go hand in hand. What does being a creative partner mean to you?
Working with others brings exciting new opportunities and project experiences. Being part of a larger group enables me to create work for different project scenarios which would include new materials, project briefs and problem solving with others, to create the best final outcome.
What’s a dream project you’d love to work on in the future?
I’m excited for any project that comes my way. But I think I would love to create a big mural with a brief connected to wildlife and the Scottish landscape, as well as getting a picturebook published.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to other creatives looking to make an impact with their work?
To any fellow creatives who are wanting to create an impact with their work I would say to keep believing in yourself and your talent. It’s hard to do but I’ve seen it work, and I’m trying to do the same. Because it all starts from what you think is possible and your drive to achieve and then keep going. I would also say to draw as often as you can, especially observational drawing.
Connect with Niamh
Website: niamh-illustration.squarespace.com
Instagram: @niamhillustration
Email: niamh.c.shaw@btinternet.com
