Interview: Gracie Dahl

(May 2022)

Gracie Dahl is a London based illustrator who was named one of the Association of Illustrators' graduates to watch last year. Impressive stuff. Gracie talks a little about how she tries to bring her practice closer to the actual use-cases of her imagery, that image-making "can sometimes feel a bit theoretical."

She's right – digital means of production like Adobe mean artists and writers are often situated quite far from the actual product or means of consumption. I often find myself editing on printouts rather than in Word or Google Docs so that I can understand the rhythm or cadence of an article as it will feel on the page, rather than just as a slew of text. With that in mind, I've tried to feature her illustration here as it is in the world, on beer cans and in restaurant murals, alongside the ceramics practice she discusses.

I’ve recently been lucky enough to work on a couple of huge mural illustrations for the pizza chain Papa John’s [launching end of Feb]- it’s been such a brilliant challenge working so large, thinking about how things look from a distance as well as from super close up, working on both large areas and small details.

I’ve also been really enjoying keeping a sketchbook, to draw things I see and from my own imagination, as well as making rambling notes. With lots of client work, it's easy to forget the ‘practicing’ side of practice - I’ve found that keeping a loose, rough sketchbook brings more spontaneity and experimentation into my stuff.

I like drawing and making things, a lot! I work on commissioned projects like editorial illustration, as well as making and selling my own ceramics and prints in my Etsy, GracieDahlShop. I work with a combination of analogue and digital methods, collaging and painting areas of pieces separately, then combining them all together in Photoshop. I’m particularly interested in separating out areas of block colour, versus areas of outline, using them as separate techniques - often influenced by mid-century design I find in old books. 

I find ceramics such a brilliant tool for making my 2D ideas physical. Illustration can sometimes feel a bit theoretical, especially if you’re supplying files digitally- you never get your hands on anything! 3D modelling with clay and glaze helps combat that, and also really aids my understanding of the depth and movement of things like the human figure, skills to transfer back into my 2D illustration. And luckily, people then buy the things I make!

Are there any skills or techniques you'd like to develop?
Well, I’m always looking to get better at drawing- I don’t think it’s a skill you ever complete! I’m also trying to perfect my Matt Berry impression - I’m not there yet, but stay tuned.. 

If you could have a magical power, what would it be?

Telling the future! I’d love to know whether a piece of work is going to go well as soon as I start it. But would that take away some of the fun? Hmmm…