Contact Jane Ray Brief 01

I have used the email address on the website because after much searching I have fund nor more direct way to contact her. What I sent can be found below. I am concerned that I was too intense but all I can do now is wait and see, although I doubt I will be getting a response.


I am unsure if this will actually reach Jane Ray herself but I hope that the sentiment of this message gets to her in some way.

I am a first year student, studying Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art.

I have been involving illustration increasingly in my design process which brought me back to some of my favorite books when I was a child. To name a few: 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' and 'Earth, Fire, Water, Air'.
I just want to say that going back to them has inspired me anew.

The effortless beauty inherent in every stroke, the incredible way natural shapes are captured as almost a character of themselves; enhancing and communicating what a plant is rather than simply what it looks like, creating a depth of visual communication rarely matched.

It is clear that you construct your illustrations out of layers of media; in what order are they applied and what is your process for doing so?
How do you decide what to include in each creation?
What are you methods for controlling and aiding the readers eye as it roams the page? In turn controlling the message sent by the design?

I understand completely if this just goes straight through to PR or the publishing company but I would be incredibly appreciative if this could get through to her. Even if no reply is made I just want to communicate my admiration for her work.
She has replied really quickly and I hope to continue our correspondence.
Dear Elizabeth,

Thanks so much for your generous email - I was very touched buy your comments. It is always so nice to hear what people think, out in the big wide world, of the imagery I have created in my little studio.

I will attempt to answer your questions:

It is clear that you construct your illustrations out of layers of media; in what order are they applied and what is your process for doing so?
I draw first, then brush in background watercolour. On top of that I begin to add detail in paint and pencil, and also coloured pencil. Some paint is left to dry, or dabbed with tissue to dry and give a mottled texture. I add collage sometimes, and also print or 'stamp' patterns to give texture.  I also use a sponge to give a soft texture. Its difficult to describe the exact process - there are lots of layers...
How do you decide what to include in each creation?
That is decided partly by the text, and what lies behind the text, if its an illustration, but also just by looking and looking and judging what looks right, balanced..
What are you methods for controlling and aiding the readers eye as it roams the page?
Sometimes the composition will lead the eye, or the light on the page.

I hope thats useful? And good luck with your own work.
Thanks again,
Jane