Introducing the 25 year old London illustrator Jessica Rose Penfold, an exciting creative with stacks of talent, Jess is certainly one to watch out for.
With clients like Gash, Vice and FUN Magazine she’s already on the road to greatness, of which i’m sure she will achieve. Jess has been described as ‘one of those girls who has an infectious and mesmerizing personality’ words that i would also choose to describe her work.

Jess has been ever so kind to answer a few questions to get an insight into the world of Jessica Rose Penfold.

What makes you tick?

Pens, paper, comic books- Love and Rockets, Strangers In Paradise, Box Office Poison- american TV shows- this week it’s X-files, last week it was True Blood: I watch them while I draw – orange squash, my drawing board, Wolverine/Logan.

What are your influences and who are your biggest inspirations?

I would say that my influences are the who and my inspirations are the what.My influences include Judge Dredd, Adrian Tomine, Jamie Hernandez, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, Death Cab for Cutie, Juliana Hatfield, mixtapes from my friends. As for inspiration, that comes from much closer to home. I am inspired when i see that doing what you love for a living is achievable. I am also inspired by conversations, overheard passing comments and one-liners.

What’s involved in a normal day for you?

IDEALLY (and on days away from my 9 to 5)- drawing all day
REALISTICALLY- I work/waste time in an office as a studio manager for 8 hours (while covertly emailing for personal gain), then I go home and draw all evening.

How would you describe your style?

I would say it is somewhere between illustration and comics. Hand-drawn (everything i do is hand-drawn) clean lines, predominantly in black and white, often with a single colour highlight.

How long have you been in the design industry?

I am not sure I would say I was in the design industry yet, but I have been doing some freelance illustration for the past 3 years, since I left University.

Have you any advice to people who may be looking at a career in design?

Right now I feel like I’m the one who needs advice! From my experience (and mistakes), my advice would be make the most of your student years; join competitions, put on exhibitions, put yourself out there. Say yes to everything at the beginning; it’s all about exposure. The other thing I would say is that confidence is everything. Confidence in your abilities and alot of hardwork.

To keep you eye on Jess and to see more of her work visit: www.jessicapenfold.com and www.jessicarosepenfold.blogspot.com or contact her on jp@jessicapenfold.com

I would like to say thanks to Jess for taking the time out to give us an insight into her goings on and hope to see more of her in the future! If you would like to be considered for the Showcase please contact me on ky@kywilkinson.co.uk