Andi Watson
Worcester, UK
I was born and raised in Kippax, a small town in Yorkshire, England. I spent half my life playing outdoors with my brother and friends and the other half reading, drawing and watching TV. Despite being in awe of the power of stories I was intent on being a car mechanic. Eventually I realised I had no interest in cars and even less talent for fixing things and went to art school in Liverpool. I rediscovered comics, made one of my own, graduated and continue to make more.
I’m still in awe of the power of stories and the satisfaction and challenge of telling my own through words and pictures. I live in Worcester with my wife and daughter.
What is your favorite food?
I like Brussel sprouts and broccoli but shiver in horror at courgettes. Brrrr….courgettes.
Specialties:
Action-adventure, Advertising, Animals, Black & white, Board books, Book Covers, Branding, Character design, Concept art, Editorial, Fantasy, Graphic novel interior art, Humor, Illustration, Indie comics, Middle Grade, Non-fiction, Packaging, Picture books, Sci-fi, Slice-of-life, Spot art, Storyboarding, Writing, Young Adult
Published books:
- Kerry and the Knight of the Forest (graphic novel) Random House Graphic, 2020
And many others… click here for a complete bibliography.
Location:
Mediums:
Art Process:
Everything starts with a pencil and paper, whether it’s noting down story ideas or thumbnailing images. I think with a pencil and problem solve on paper. No Moleskine notebooks for me, I use the back of old print outs and bills. Whatever’s to hand and I’m not precious about.
Once I have an idea I’m happy with I’ll move to pencil on paper. When I’m satisfied with the sketch I’ll use pen, brush, ink to complete the art. I try to balance a liveliness of line with control and clarity. Then I’ll scan it in and use Photoshop to tweak and colour.
Available for School Visits:
When I do school visits, I collaborate with the children to create an improvised comic story from their suggestions.
Visit Andi at:
www.andiwatson.info
www.instagram.com/andicomics
www.twitter.com/andicomics
www.patreon.com/andiwatson
www.andiwatson.bigcartel.com
www.gumroad.com/andicomics
Awards and honors:
Eisner, Best Graphic Album Reprint nomination 2000: Geisha
Eisner, Best Limited Series nomination 2001: Breakfast After Noon
Harvey, Best New Series nomination 2004: Love Fights
Eisner, Best Publication for Kids nomination 2009: Princess At Midnight
British Comics Awards, Young People’s Comic Awards nomination 2012. Gum Girl: Catastrophe Calling
