interview with an illustrator
Jacqueline Bissett
The fash ion illustrator
shares how her childhood
passion of designing
clothes for her Sindy doll
inspired her career . . .
u SB What drew you to illustration? Jacqueline: I started when
I was little, designing and drawing outfits for my Sindy dolls,
although I had no idea what a fashion designer was, let alone
a fashion illustrator! My father is a retired draughtsman so he
always gave us reams of paper. u SB Do you have any formal
training? Jacqueline: Bournville School of Art (over the Green
from Cadburys!) and Epsom College of Art and Design. u SB
What drew you to where you live now? Jacqueline: We live in
Plumpton, East Sussex and found it online whilst living in France
for an idyllic year of swimming every day and drinking too much
wine! England seemed so green and lush, I never knew that I
wanted to live in the countryside ‘til I found Plumpton. u SB Who
are your biggest inspirations? Jacqueline: Rene Gruau and other
1950s illustrators, my tutors from both colleges - Lynne Robinson
(she taught me everything there is to know about working as a
fashion illustrator), the late, great Colin Barnes, Shari Peacock,
Kim Hubbard. u SB How do you get your ideas? Jacqueline:
I’m still very inspired by the Brighton gay club scene, although
we don’t get out often having two young children. Grant (my
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