- View Valerie's Creativepool profile here
Website: valerieblack.com
Twitter: @valerieblack_vb
Facebook: facebook.com/valerieblackart
"I am an illustrator and character designer fascinated with magic, mythology and creatures. Starting with sculpture, watercolour and oil paintings, then years after working as a graphic designer, I suddenly decided to take a Graphic art course in the National Academy of Art in Sofia, Bulgaria. During my course I got a scholarship for a student exchange program, which took me to the UK, where I decided to take an Illustration course. After that I replaced my etching, drypoint and lithography materials (which I still love, but rarely get the chance to use nowadays) for a graphic tablet."
How long have you been a Freelancer for?
For about a year and a half.
Describe your work in one sentence.
Mystical, spiritual and mysterious, containing hidden stories and narratives.
Who are some of the clients you have worked for?
Most of my commissions have come from private sources, including a series of kids books, portraits and cartoon themed murals.
What's the most important thing you've learnt in your line of work?
Put all your effort and time in any job you take on, work with passion, it shows. Be yourself and be open to any feedback given.
What attracted you to your chosen field?
I like creating worlds different from the one that surrounds me. For me creating art is like living in a fairytale world filled with magic and in which everything is possible.
Tell us about your best project to date.
I don't think I can choose one, they all mean a lot to me. Each one of them has enriched me and my visual language in a different way.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
My interests, influences and my background. Naturally they all have a big impact on my work and the way of approaching any given project.
If you could work on any project for any company/organisation, what would it be and who would it be for?
A character designer for a Tim Burton film.
What frustrates you the most about your job?
The hours of the day are always too short and the days of the week are not enough. There are so many projects I want to take on, but there is never enough time for everything.
What pearl of wisdom can you offer to someone thinking about starting out as a freelancer?
Never stop improving and never give up, draw from life as much as you can. Don't forget to advertise your work, internet is a powerful tool, use it.
If you could have ONE super power, what would it be?
Flying for me is freedom, so this is the power I would want to have.
What's your favourite bit of kit?
The pencil. My ultimate companion, I can't live without it.
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I love horses, I have been riding since I was a child and I still haven't fallen off of one.
What's your favourite song of all time?
I listen to different music, depending of my mood and what I am working on at the time, it somehow gives me some extra boost of inspiration, so having to choose my favourite song proved to be impossible for me. I just haven't got one.
What is your favourite app?
Angry birds.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. I have known it for longer and I feel comfortable with it. I have just started on Twitter, so you never know, I might prefer that in future.
Eat In or eat out?
Eat in. Something quick and easy, so I can get on with my work.
If you would like to step into the Creativepool Spotlight, email through some examples of your work
