Illustrator Jovana Stašuk from Serbia has worked on children’s books, chilli sauce bottles, Austrian tourism campaigns, conference websites and more. We delve into the world of a commercial designer and illustrator and find out how sketching in her journals is a vital part of her illustration process.
How did you start illustrating?
I started drawing at very early age. As a kid, I knew it was going to be my thing. But over the years, I realised that I didn't just want to make pretty drawings or paintings. I wanted my work to be useful; to bring form and function together. So I moved into graphic design which seemed the most logical path. More recently though, I have found my way back to illustration work.
What was your first ever paid illustration job?
The first time I got paid to illustrate was in high school. I did a painting for a fellow student and he paid me in chocolate! The first time I got paid real money was some years later in 2015. A friend of mine knew someone who needed an illustrator for a set of kids stories they had created for their YouTube channel. I was so happy to get that project; it was really nice to work on. It was my first ‘proper job’ and is still very close to my heart.
What’s your creative process for your illustration and graphic design work?
I am a very organized person. I like to keep everything in lists or spreadsheets so I know what my task is and what I need to work on. When I have a new project, I first list the tasks I will need to do to complete it.
Then I search for visual references online. Once I have a good range, that’s where my journal comes in. I sketch with pencil and pen. I write down words. And I play with all sorts of ideas, change things around, and evolve the idea. Eventually, when I have a sketch I am happy with, I recreate it digitally. So my journal plays an essential role the first part of my work process.
What’s your paper republic journal setup?
I have a grand voyageur [xl] in chestnut. I love the size because there’s plenty of space for me to work on my ideas, but it’s compact enough to fit in my backpack or even a smaller bag.
I use the 150gsm drawing book and I love the paper, it’s really good quality. It works perfectly for pencil and I also do light watercolour too. It's not designed specifically for watercolour work but I use thin layers of paint and it's really good.
Which illustration project were you most proud of?
That's like asking a parent which kid is their favourite! It’s an almost impossible question, but there is one project that is still in progress that is dear to my heart: an illustration for a children's book. A friend is writing the book and it has a personal connection as it was inspired by our own childhoods. I am also proud of the graphic design work I’ve done with NGOs on the topic of women's rights. It's really a good feeling to work on projects like that.
What advice would you give people who want to become illustrators or graphic designers?
Build a strong foundation by learning the basics and experiment with styles that inspire you. Trends can be useful, but true growth comes from consistent practice and staying true to your creative voice.
What makes paper public notebooks and sketchbooks so good for your work as an illustrator and graphic designer?
I love how I can combine the different book refills and notebooks that I need. Before, I was using a standalone watercolour pad but I hated having to make notes in it. I felt like I was wasting paper. But with my paper republic journal, I can carry my drawing book, and a notebook all together.
I also love how I can add or remove different books depending on what I need that day. This flexible notebook system works perfectly for me. I used to be someone who only ever sketched at my desk at home. But now my setup is much more portable, I will use it more often when I’m on the go.
What advice do you have for illustrators of designers looking for the perfect notebooks and sketchbooks?
First, think about how you want to use your journal. Are you using it every day, or just on occasion? Do you want to carry it with you or you leave it at your desk? What sort of paper do you need; something small for writing notes, or a large pad for big watercolours? Do you like plain paper or dotted?
What appeals to me about paper republic is you can tailor your set up to suit your needs. So my advice is to figure out what you need your journal to do for you, and then build up the elements.
What would be your dream illustrating project?
I would love to do more illustration of children's books. I remember when I was a kid, illustrated books really formed in my view of the world. I want to be the person who is making the world a nicer place by making beautiful illustrations for them.
In addition to illustrating, Jovana is also part of our stock team. See more of Jovana’s wonderful illustration work at: jovanastasuk.com