Wakefield First’s Maker of the Month: Josy Bloggs: Illustrator, Author and Designer

Josy Bloggs is an Illustrator, Author and Designer based in Wakefield. She specialises in children’s educational illustration and literature.

Wakefield First got in touch with Josy to discover more about her stunning catalogue of creative work.

“As a freelance illustrator and author, I create words and pictures mainly for children's nonfiction books and spend a lot of my time researching facts so I can make my writing and illustrations as correct as possible, while putting my own creative stamp on them. As well as writing and illustrating, I also work as a book designer helping publishers with book presentations, layout and typography, which also involves making mock-up visuals of the book covers and preparing the books for print. I really enjoy the whole process of creating a book from the initial idea to the finished product.”

“I think being a graphic designer, and a greetings card publisher in the past has given me a thorough and very practical understanding of the process from start to finish, and an appreciation of how much work goes into getting an idea off the ground, not just from the creative aspect, but making sure the product is manufactured in a sustainable way, and that it is both marketable and profitable.”

“Some of my favorite books to illustrate were Human Kindness - John Francis (Planet Walker) and Georgia O'keeffe - Gabrielle Balkan. I have also illustrated many books about the natural world, such as the series Blue Worlds - Anita Ganeri. The best thing about illustrating or writing children's nonfiction books is that you are always discovering interesting facts and exciting topics, and finding new ways to inspire children to read.”

“I think Wakefield is one of the best places to live and set up a business, it is a friendly city, with a very positive attitude.  I would love to work with any regional libraries or museums to produce interesting literature and exciting display material.”

To explore more of Josy’s wonderful work, please visit her website: https://www.josybloggs.com/