Oliver Jeffers

For 505, I'm currently exploring illustrators who produce publications for educational purposes, or with an educational element to them. Having recently discovered the work of Peter Goes, my interest in creatives who have a really broad practice is growing significantly, especially as I am currently unsure of what kind of illustrative route I would like to become my sort of speciality.

I have come across the work of Oliver Jeffers many times before, first noticing his book picture book 'The Day the Crayons Quit' in the gallery shop at the Nottingham Contemporary. The book was hilarious! It really stuck in my mind, you know like how you remember those picture books that really tickle you, or inspire you in some way. It wasn't until I researched his website that I realised what a versatile and immensely talented artist Jeffers happens to be. His portfolio is bursting with years worth of different projects produced in a whole range of media; this really inspires be because I am drawn to illustrators who do not limit themselves and have the ability to completely go crazy and explore and express in visual ways rather than restricting themselves to a tight and limited style. Although that is not always a bad thing! 

I also adore Jeffers' level of enthusiasm. He seems to be so busy engaging in commissions as well as delving into his own self-driven projects, which I believe is really important as an illustrator (and yes this probably sounds really hypocritical because I don't do this enough myself) but yeah I'm assuming that it is a good way of keeping grounded and sane by expressing your own personal interests too. I'm a huge fan of Jeffers' work, and will continue to reference him and use his practice as motivation for the future.

Oliver Jeffers Author Film 2013 from Oliver Jeffers on Vimeo.