Zoë Ingram
As a child
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there until I ventured off to college. I
was always outside playing with my friends, bikes, hula hoops, scooters. There
were a lot of other children living nearby so we loved playing hide and seek, cops
and robbers and many other fun games. There was a big park close by so climbing
trees and making tree houses was another favourite. I had a huge dressing-up box
with lots of my mum’s old clothes and shoes and my friends and I had no worries
about getting dressed up and parading around outside in our glad rags.
I was always drawing too. I can remember the first time I coloured neatly within the
lines of a colouring book. I was so proud. I also spent countless hours making up
my own fashion illustrations.
As an adult
After studying art at numerous classes in Edinburgh, I moved to Galashiels in the
Scottish Borders to study printed textile design. I was really drawn to illustrating
stories or books that I’d read within my textile work so I guess my interest in
illustration really began then but at that point I didn’t realize that illustration was an
option. I love the decorative nature of textiles and pattern.
Upon graduating I moved into graphic design and worked in design for many years
covering corporate reporting right through to web design. It all stood me in good
stead and helped me to realize that my love is illustrating.
I have spent the past 9 years living in Australia but have just returned to Scotland.
Vastly different countries in every way but both beautiful and have lots to offer.
As an illustrator
I have just moved into a new house so I’m in the process of setting up my new
studio. I love working from home as it allows me freedom and quite importantly
there are no constraints or pressures to produce during office hours. I can work at
night when it’s quiet and peaceful or I can get up really early. I love the flexibility. I
occasionally take myself off to a cafe to sketch or draw if I’m feeling blocked as a
change of scenery usually helps me to move forward.
Books that I have illustrated include:
20 Ways to Draw a Strawberry
Draw 500 Fantastic Foods
Scratch and Draw Patterns
Scratch and Draw Botanicals
The Last Message Received
Press Out and Colour Birds
Press Out and Colour Butterflies
Thankfulness to Color
Wise Words to Color
America the Beautiful to Color
Believe: An Artists Coloring Book
My First Book of Birds
Garden Stew
Ten things we didn’t know about Zoe Ingram:
- I love Mexican food!
- My favourite things to paint are birds and flowers.
- I have a big, hairy, silly dog called Murphy.
- I used to be a ballroom and Latin American dancer.
- My least favourite food is haggis!
- I have an amazing memory.
- My favourite thing is spending time with my two daughters.
- I love making cakes and love looking at photos of amazingly decorated cakes. I
might take a cake decorating class.
- I lived in Adelaide, Australia for 9 years and my 9 year old daughter has never
seen real snow before.
- I have a massive collection of books. I use my books for reference and
inspiration.