Process & Pictures: Farah Shah

As part of representing artists, we don’t just sit back and wait for new artwork to roll in! Educational Agent Lucie Luddington works with artists on developmental briefs to design new characters, evolve their styles and expand their portfolios.

In this Process & Pictures blog, Farah Shah breaks down her response to one of Lucie’s briefs, and talks us through the creation of artwork and their artistic process.

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Process & Pictures: Farah Shah

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My name is Farah. I’m a children’s book illustrator based in United Kingdom. Bright invited me to discuss my process when creating an illustration. My illustrations are colourful, full of character and have a touch of humour. My illustrations begin with a sketch or doodle I have drawn in my sketchbook. My ideas are generated from inspiration around me or sometimes using prompts from social media.

With this sketch, I knew there was a story behind the badger as he is clearly stealing from somewhere and he has an unexpected frog in his bag.

In my sketchbook, I thumbnail five different scenes the badger could be placed in. For this idea, as badger is the main focus, I wanted it to be set amongst some woods during the night. I re-draw the thumbnail out on to paper.

From the sketch, I have already got my limited colour palette which I will then use for the illustration. I thumbnail five colour versions with the selected colours and choose the one that adds depth and charm to the illustration.

I use a lightbox to transfer the pencil sketch to 300gsm watercolour paper, and paint using gouache paints. I use pencil to add texture and depth. I always check my values throughout my painting to make sure I have a good contrast balance. I scan in the painting and alter the levels to highlight areas and shadows and finish off the illustration.

Farah is an illustrator and storyteller based in United Kingdom. Farah graduated from Bradford School of Art with a First Class Honours in Graphic Design, Illustration and digital media. In 2018, she graduated from Cambridge School of Art, where she earned a Masters in Children’s Book Illustration. Farah has continued her path as a children’s illustrator and is always looking at opportunities to illustrate exciting projects.

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Farah Shah is represented by Lucie Luddington — to work with Farah please contact Lucie here. You can find out more about Farah here.