Jessie Lu Hutchinson

Hi there! I am an artist illustrator who has been working freelance for a couple of years now.

I was born and raised in a little village outside of Cambridge, where I still am today. Art and creativity have been ever-present companions in my life. I am notorious for drawing on everything; shopping lists, scraps of paper, the walls, and even, on one memorable occasion, the back of the TV remote. I am very lucky to have a fantastic (and understanding) mum who is an artist and art tutor. She has always encouraged me and allowed me to be as creative as my imagination will allow. It's no surprise really that, from a young age, when asked 'what do you want to be when you're grown up?' I answered 'an artist'.

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Therefore, it seemed to come as a surprise to everyone around me that I chose to study English Literature at the University of Exeter in Falmouth, rather than pursue art academically. I had been a bit disillusioned with art at school, and if it wasn't for the support I had at home, I don't think I would have got my BTech. So I kept art purely as a hobby and passion and turned to reading a mountain of books instead. I predictably fell in love with Cornwall and the artistic hum in the air - there really is something special about that place, and I am determined to live there someday. In my third year of university I studied children's literature, which was fascinating and inspiring. After pouring over gorgeous children's picture books I realised how much i'd love to be an illustrator, especially of children's books. The artistic bug was back.

 

It wasn't until the start of 2021 that I finally took the plunge and started working as an independent artist illustrator - I thought why not give it a go now? I work in a range of media, watercolours, acrylic, pencil and even ceramic sculpture, but my favourite medium is gouache and digital painting on the iPad.

So far i've created collections of cards and prints as well as a variety of painting commissions. Excitingly, my first illustrated children's book Ivy Dog and the Tasty Treats was published on Amazon in October 2023. I'm now working on several of my own children's books. I regularly exhibit my work with the Cambridge Drawing Society and Cambridge Open Studios as well as some local galleries.

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My other hobbies and interests include ceramics, dogs, frogs, mushrooms and mermaids, and making miniature things. 

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It is a huge privilege to be doing my favourite thing in the world as a job, I truly

love it and don't want to stop. 

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