Illustrator Research: Owen Davey

• I have chosen Owen Davey (mainly because i love his work!!) due to his effective narrative telling with little or no words. Not all of his work is like this but i just think he manages to communicate ideas really well and his picturebooks are amazing! Another reason is that he is has only graduated from his illustration degree a few years ago so i thought it would be a good chance to research somebody who is relatively new to the field. \
• I would describe his work as detailed with careful linework but using simple shapes (with simplicity not meaning unsophisticated). His limited colour palette and use of textures really makes his work identifiable. 
• In terms of genre and intended audience, i would suggest that Davey's work belongs within the indie publishing sector, perhaps within advertising, and also in the young audience market, with particular emphasis on his picturebooks. 
• Owen Davey has worked with some really impressive clients so far; Lego, BBC, Templar, New York Times, Time Out, Nobrow and Walker Books. 
• From his portfolio, i would have liked to work on the book covers he created (The BFG, Hansel and Gretel). It would be great to put my own spin on some of my own childhood favourites. 
• Davey mainly gains his work from his agents at Folio. He also takes on commissioned work like the piece he did for The Guardian Weekend which he secured one week before he was due to graduate! 
• In terms of promotion, Davey uses alot of social media sites and belongs to some online collectives which advertise his work. 
• Owen Davey also produces some self-initiated work but this is done mainly for enjoyment purposes, Davey says "It's not valuable per se". 
• Although he graduated only a few years ago, Davey does not seem to need to supplement his income with other jobs. He mentioned in an interview that in his spare time he likes to play in a band but this is also for enjoyment. 
• This research has helped me to reaffirm my choice to enter the Pan Macmillan competition set by YCN. I was hesitant before because the story they want illustrated is a famous one but i am convinced that if i use my own style, and create something i would like, then i will hopefully achieve an outcome that is original, uniquely me and of high enough quality as it can be placed in my portfolio.