Patti Gay

How did you become an illustrator?

For as long as I can remember I have always been driven to draw and paint. I don’t think I really thought I would be anything else.

Did you go to art school?

Yes, I went to Columbus College of Art and Design. It gave me a great foundation to build on. There were some pretty spectacular illustrators in my classes. I think that I learned a lot from them as well. My favorite class was Color Concepts where we learned to graph and work with color using the Munsell color method. I still use that knowledge in everything I paint.

Were there one or more individuals that were an influence in your becoming an illustrator?

I used to draw and paint a lot with my mom. She was very creative. The love of it grew from there.

What inspires you now?

Everything around me is inspiring. I look at all kinds of art and typography and am really inspired by the way I see artists approach a project. I also live in a beautiful area full of nature. I have wisteria blooming outside my studio window with steller jays hopping about it. There are majestic redwoods, lace like ferns and a myriad of blooming  wonders to enjoy.

I am also inspired by my son’s love of painting beautiful textures. He is autistic and has a whole sensorial experience with the paint and paper. I use his textures to create images that are now in the Two Can Art Collection of art.

Is there anything you would like to share about your technique or style?

I love to explore beyond my comfort zone. I have paintings that very tight watercolors and others that are loose acrylics. I will sometimes do a painting based upon an area that I find difficult like working with water reflections and light. I am starting to work with pattern and texture which I find really exciting. I work both traditionally and digitally.

What types of markets do you do illustration for?

I have done picture books. I have a golden book called CATS and I have recently done a couple of e-books, Friends, Amanda and Max and animals MUST BE.

They are on Barnes and Noble. I am represented by The Herman Agency for books.

I also do art for licensing. I have images on all types of products like cards, cutting boards, tiles, stickers, gift bags, and needlepoint. I also have some 3-d characters that have been licensed from the Amanda and Max book. I am excited that a Two Can Art image is going to be used for platters and plates next season. I will be exhibiting for the first time solo at the big art licensing show, Surtex this May. I had always been represented by an agent there in the past and am excited about the experience.

Are there any links to your images you would like to share?

website: www.pattigay.com

book agent:  

http://hermanagencyinc.com/patti_gay.htm

Friends , Amanda and Max e-book:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/friends-amanda-and-max-patti-gay/1030966799?ean=2940012634337&itm=1&usri=2940012634337

animals MUST BE e-book:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/animals-must-be-patti-gay/1030528593?ean=2940012675613&itm=1&usri=2940012675613
blog: http://pattigay.blogspot.com/

Are there any other creative interests you persue?

I have been working on writing for picture books, and belong to a wonder writing critique group from SCBWI. They are all wonderful writers and I have learned a lot from them.

Do you currently have products with your images on the market?

Yes, I have cutting boards, tiles, gift bags, and cards on the market. I also have the 2 e-books and have a site to sell prints on demand for the Two Can Art images.

What is the thing you love best about what you do?

I can’t wait to get into my studio. I feel incredibly lucky to have what ever time I have there. There is something so wonderful about taking an idea and bringing it to fruition.

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love it!