David Anthony Wood

Published 10/12/2012

- View David's Creativepool profile here

"The illustrator critics are already calling "one of the many illustrators there are""

How long have you been a Freelancer for?
I've been freelancing since since August this year.

Describe your work in one sentence.
I try and create the children's books I wish I'd had as a kid.

What's the most important thing you've learnt in your line of work?
SIf you're not having fun with the work then likely nobody is. So always make it fun.

What attracted you to your chosen field?
A childhood spent primarily indoors.

Tell us about your best project to date.
The book I am in the process of seeking a publisher for, (Les Nouveaux Vetements L'empereur), a retelling of the Emperor's New Clothes was the most fun I've had and ironically the hardest I've worked. Although the new book I'm working on is pretty exciting so far.

What sets you apart from your competitors?
I don't see a lot of work similar to mine, and if I do I change direction. I don't want to be anyone, I just try and get what's in my head onto the paper before it disappears. I think I do jolly melancholy well, particularly my recent work.

If you could work on any project for any company/organisation, what would it be and who would it be for?
I love the books Nobrow press publish. It's always unexpected and beautiful illustration but the story seems to be the most important thing for them. If I were ever published with them I'd need to get a new set of goals.

What frustrates you the most about your job?
How competitive the market is, especially as a newcomer. Although, I've been freelance less than a year so I have no place to gripe. Yet.

What pearl of wisdom can you offer to someone thinking about starting out as a freelancer?
Treat it like a job, even when you're not working for anyone else. Work every day, keep match fit.

If you could have ONE super power, what would it be?
The ability to stop time. I would catch up on all the books and movies and music I feel guilty about enjoying because it's too much like procrastinating. Also, when I was sleeping so it looked like I never slept. Plus I could sneak aboard trains and planes or into the cinema.

What's your favourite bit of kit?
I'm not terribly picky or well versed and and I don't use a ton of media. Right now, I'm using CARAN d'ACHE watercolour pencils for sketching. Adobe Illustrator is pretty indispensable though.