Stephanie Gotterson

Most illustrators are recognised for their visual language or “style” – a way of giving form to ideas, expressing moods in relation to briefs and commissions. The illustrator’s style is their signature – at best an extension of the self, an intuitive way of responding to the world conceptually and creatively. The style is the vehicle for communication.
As a tutor I was thrilled to see the work that Stephanie Gotterson, level 1 illustration student, posted on her web under the heading “doodles.” As the word doodle can have negative connotations it could be easy to overlook or dismiss these images. However, the examples here reveal an intuitive visual aesthetic, a sense of design and visual organisation. Whether she has drawn them when on the phone, or in a staff meeting at school, their fresh and confident visual language is not inhibited by self- consciousness or a forced attempt to develop a style.
As Stephanie recognises, “it’s not a conscious form of drawing. Its more fluid and organic style of drawing where my pen or pencil is continuously moving.” Doodling is a process that helps her to connect within these situations, “It helps me to listen to what people are saying and I can even look back weeks later and remember what the discussion was just by looking at a doodle!”
Drawing is essential for many illustrators not only to develop visual acuity and dexterity but also to evolve an authentic personal vocabulary and language with which to communicate. Stephanie recognises the importance of retaining the sincerity of this way of drawing in her illustration work and harnessing the distinctive sense of design and individuality that gives these doodles their energy and power. She reflects, “As I gain more confidence I start to build upon sketches and doodles that were already successful and use that as a foundation with my assignments with the OCA.”

There are many examples on her blog that reveal Stephanie’s distinctive sense of aesthetic and the quirky response to the world that permeates her work. Enjoy them here