Beccy Blake is a Bath-based artist and the author-illustrator behind the Chicken Hill graphic novel series for children. She talks to Bath Voice about the influences that shaped her creative career, finding inspiration close to home, and volunteering at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival.
Who inspired you to become a writer and illustrator?
From a very young age, I loved comics. My dad would buy them for me as I was a bit of a reluctant reader and comics were a cool compromise to endless Peter and Jane reading books, which I detested. By the time I was 9, I loved reading all kinds of books, and was lucky enough to have plenty of grown ups willing to read with me. I loved writing my own stories and drawing endless pictures about everything going on in my life. I distinctly remember, aged 5, my Uncle Bill (himself an artist and art critic) suggesting I could be an illustrator when I grew up. I think Uncle Bill and my dad were probably the biggest influences in encouraging me to go to Art college and fulfil that dream.
What inspired the characters in Chicken Hill?
From my own life and the people in it! We used to live in a place in Shropshire, where there really is a welly tree. My mum’s ancient cat, Russ, has apparently seen UFO’s, and I’ve never ever fully trusted a cactus. There is a shed in our garden, where my partner creates stunning pictures (being a collage artist), and I was friends with the late inventor, actor and poet, Heathcote Williams who, like Ferdy, could invent anything if he put his mind to it. Tink is our very lazy, grey grumpy cat, who loves his food and isn’t too keen on birdsong. Gripper is based on a real very excitable, one-eyed pug, owned by a friend, who despite wearing fetching neckerchiefs, farts rather a lot, especially in the pub.
How has your animation work influenced your illustration?
Comics and animation storyboarding are quite similar. I worked on concept art, storyboards and design for all three series of Nick Cope’s Popcast for CBeebies with Bath-based company Complete Control. I learnt so much from the team, creative director Glynn Hayward and musician Nick Cope. Thinking up imagery for the songs helped me when writing my own graphic novels, and I feel my comics have a kind of ‘moving’ energy as a result. I also worked with animator Huw Davies on book reveal adverts for Chicken Hill.
What advice would you give young writers and artists?
Keep a sketchbook, fill it with not just drawings or writing but also ideas and thoughts, things you’ve been inspired by. I have a cupboard full of sketchbooks that I refer to every now and again – sketchbooks stay with you for life. Always be authentic and original, do not use generative AI – it’s a pile of tiger poo (the worst smelling poo in the world). Keep reading all kinds of books, there’s nothing like original human thought and inspiration. Don’t give up and keep going.
Why do graphic novels appeal to so many readers?
I think it’s down to them being visually appealing, which helps engage and hook readers from the start. They can be dipped in and out of easily, which helps young readers who find reading daunting. My graphic novels have 3 snackable stories for children in each. Often comics can be springboards and confidence boosters for young and reluctant readers to explore other story telling genres. I also don’t think many people grow out of reading graphic novels, they can travel with you through stages of your life!
What was it like volunteering at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival?
I loved every minute of meeting and helping such a diverse and inspiring group of authors, illustrators and comic artists. It was a joy to see so many children happily absorbed and inspired by meeting their author/illustrator heroes. Also seeing the children and families learn about where the stories come from, what inspired them, how to draw characters and thinking of settings from all over the world. It is a festival that truly celebrates imagination and opens up a whole new world for children, especially their work with schools and children who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to have those experiences.
Beccy’s Favourite places in Bath:
Skyline Walk for walks, writing and inspiration
Palette on Walcot Street for coffee and creativity
Mr B’s, Toppings, Persephone and Waterstones for browsing books
My Small World in SouthGate, her favourite toyshop
Dyrham Park for peaceful reading and visits from resident cat Monty
The Bath Children’s Literature Festival features a wide range of events with leading authors, illustrators and performers. For more information, visit: bathfestivals.org.uk/childrens-literature