Name: Jen Collins
Location: Scotland
Website: www.hellojenuine.com
How about a brief introduction?
By day I work at an arts centre, & on evenings & weekends I work on my own creative things, be it on my own drawings, organising events or collaborating on projects. Illustration & being creative makes me happy, & I love having the freedom to do what I enjoy.
Who/what inspires you?
Sunny mornings, free time, meeting & talking to like-minded people, looking at the work of amazing illustrators & the hope that someday I can do creative things full-time!
What message would you like to send out about your work?
I enjoy life & what I do, & I hope my work reflects that. I’m not necessarily trying to send out a message, a lot of the time I’m just sharing a train of thought or actualising an idea but if someone takes something more from my work then that’s fine, but if they don’t then that’s okay too.
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Just being happy with where I am. There’s a lot to be said for being content. Not 100% of course, which is fine because that little extra bit of discontent drives me to keep making things better.
Share a secret with us!
I almost didn’t take Art at high school (despite being able to remember the awe I felt at about age four when I was told that you could make a living being an artist) because I was convinced I was going to be a vet. My old next door neighbour (who worked at my school) told my mum to make sure I took Art, & I grudgingly agreed. Eventually it transpired that I am really not that great at Maths/Chemistry, & I (re)realised that Art was awesome. My old neighbour did me a huge favour.
