Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Ponder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
If I were to travel back in time and tell child me what I do today as a job, I think the child me would be very very happy.
At school I used to get into a lot of trouble because instead of doing my lessons, I would be busy filling my work books in with drawings of mermaids and fairies.
And now, I draw mermaids, fairies, angels and dragons all day as my job! Those years of industriously doodling all over my maths book turned out to be years well spent.
For The last four years I have worked each year on different books of mythology with Dorling Kindersly. Greek Myths, Norse Myths, Egyptian Myths and out this summer is Goddesses and Heroines. All the books are published in multiple languages and in book shops around the world. I thank each and every one of my lucky stars for the job I get to do (and also of course my agents at the artworks Inc and the incredible art directors I have had the pleasure of working with)!
Last year -2022 was a very special year to me, as it was the year my designs for the Royal Mail Christmas stamp were used. The 6 designs were printed and distributed in their millions around the UK and then posted all over the world. It’s a project that even a few months later with Christmas behind us, I still can’t quite believe what an incredible experience it was.
Just being considered for the stamps made me feel over the moon. Rory Brady from Baxter and Bailey approached me in the spring of 2021 with the possibility of working on the Christmas stamp together. There were 10 artists all working on designs whom Rory and I were in competition with. Every month the work was reviewed, and each round I made it through I felt incredibly proud but never imagined my designs being picked. I think because I didn’t believe they would be picked i was able to work with out fear or anxiety. If I had known millions of people would be seeing the work I think I might have felt a little overwhelmed!
Rory was amazing to work with. He knew exactly how to make each design shine. It felt like such a joyful collaboration and I loved bouncing ideas back and forth with Rory. Together we meticulously fine tuned the designs with extreme care. the stamps are so small so every little detail has to be considered. Art work reads very differently when it’s shrunk from large to small. It was quite intense work – but it was also very magical.
Illustrating the nativity story felt very special. Illustrating a sacred story that has a message of so much hope and joy, felt like a huge honour and I wanted to make sure I did my best to do the artwork justice.
It was after 8 months of hard work when I got a call from Rory Saying the Royal Mail had chosen to use our designs and that the Late Queen would be presented with our work to give her royal seal of approval. I don’t think I will ever reflect on this moment with out getting butterflies.
The designs had to be kept top secret for a whole year until finally, when Christmas came it was their time..
It is a strange and magical moment seeing a design that began as a scribble in the note book by my bed, then playing a part in millions of people’s Christmas exchanges.
Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
on day one of the life of me, I knew art was probably my safest place. I struggled at school, being dyslexic and a chronic day dreamer – it was a very obvious choice to me that I would be going to art school as soon as possible.
I did a years foundation course at Camberwell exploring different disciplines in the art world, and quickly fell in love with illustration. Making art and telling stories was the perfect fusion of my favourite things.
I went to Falmouth University to do their BA illustration degree which was a really wonderful 3 years of experimenting, finding my visual language and then developing a professional practice.
When I graduated I returned to London where I grew up and perused a career as an illustrator.
I began by interning at various illustration agents, an experience that gave me some very helpful insight into how projects are run, how to net work, and what it really meant to be in the working world as an illustrator.
I was winner of an AOI award, the House of a illustration Peoples choice award and runner up to the folio society prize. I also was the winner of the Glyndebourne art prize. From there I started to win projects and I was then very fortunate to be approached by The Artworks Inc to be on their books. Ever since I have been represented by the artworks I have had steady work as an illustrator with more momentum increasing with each project I do, and working on projects that I am completely absorbed in and so excited by.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
To be my best artistically I need to take very good care of myself. Yoga, good food, good people – these are essential parts of my creative process. I remember when I was at art school I thought every heart break and sadness was a good thing because I could use the experience to fuel my creativity. I have learnt as I grow up that if I fuel my body well – get some sunshine on my face, stretch and laugh regularly that my brain and therefore my creativity flows much better. I think a lot of creative people are very sensitive and so it is very important to take extra good care of yourself (in whatever way that might be as we are all unique).
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I love my lifestyle. I feel very lucky that I get paid to do what I love. I wake up, get out of bed and then draw all day long. This is an absolute dream come true. .
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.katieponderillustration.com
- Instagram: Katieponderillustration