Hi, my name’s Jem and I love to draw
I’m an artist, illustrator and designer based in my hometown of Bristol. I have a full-time day job in graphic design and a successful side hustle producing my own illustrations and artwork.
As Jem Loves to Draw I create and sell my own artwork as a range of illustrated goodies – including limited edition art prints, cards, mugs and stationery.
Hand-painted watercolour illustrations
Jem Loves to Draw products are created from original ink and watercolour illustrations, which are hand-painted in my home studio on the outskirts of east Bristol.
All of my paintings start life in my sketchbook, where I use a combination of pencil, watercolour pencil and pen to plan out the main shapes. The first layer of all my paintings is a wash of India ink, which I use to build up tone. Then I add colour using layers of super-vibrant Japanese watercolour paints. The final stage involves adding details using fineliner and gel pen. My paintings are then transferred onto a computer, where they can be reproduced using digital printing techniques.
Inspired by nature
My artwork and designs are inspired by my love of the natural world, featuring animals, landscapes, oceans, galaxies and constellations. And bears, lots of bears. I get my ideas from wildlife photography, documentaries and from my own adventures in our campervan.
My products bring a sense of the big wide world into your home, whether that’s a cute animal print in a kid’s room or an awesome animal mug for your morning cuppa.
Made in Bristol
I produce my own giclée fine art prints and greetings cards at home using genuine Canon pigment inks on 310gsm fine art paper, resulting in a high quality finish with vibrant, fade-proof colours. My art prints are limited edition and each print is signed and numbered in pencil.
Any items I cannot print myself, such as mugs, notebooks and calendars, are printed in the UK by Awesome Merchandise.
Eco-conscious
Because so much of my work is inspired by nature, making Jem Loves to Draw products and practices as sustainable as possible is high up on my list of priorities.
I’m taking consistent steps to make my business as eco-friendly as possible and protect the things that inspire me the most. This includes using digital printing techniques to reduce waste and sending out online orders in reused packaging materials from other deliveries.
Where you can find me and my work
My original artworks and prints have been featured in exhibitions across the south west and you can purchase my products online in my Etsy shop or in real life through my lovely local stockists. I also take on freelance design projects and create bespoke artwork for private commissions.
When I’m not working or painting, you’ll find me climbing, hiking or drinking tea.
If you’d like to keep up-to-date with my work and my adventures in our campervan, you can follow me on social media.
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