Penelope Dullaghan takes some of the tranquility borne of her other life as a yoga teacher and uses it in her illustration work. The result is a collection of calm, reflective and balanced images which start life as acrylics before being finished on Photoshop.
With a string of high profile clients under her belt ranging from Starbucks to the Washington Post, perhaps the chilled out approach is the way forward. Penelope took the time to speak to us about her work.
What methods do you use to create your illustrations?
I paint with acrylics on paper, do my line work separately and then scan everything into the computer to compile and polish it up.
What inspires you to pick up your pencil?
Job assignments usually inspire me to pick up the pencil. (Deadlines tend to do that!)
If you weren’t an illustrator, what do you think you’d be doing?
I’m already doing it! I’m also a new yoga teacher. I really love the balance of art and yoga. And I love how the philosophy of each is overlapping.
Are there any tips you would give to any aspiring illustrators?
I would say that working local is a good place to start. Hit up local shops and vendors that could use a postcard promo with illustrations. Or do a line of cards to sell at boutique. Do work for friends and friends of friends. Or the local newspaper. And then post it all online and keep your website fresh and updated. The more work you do, the more work you’ll attract.
© Penelope Dullaghan 2010
