Sharing a project as a freelance pencil illustrator. Drawing is both a passion and a commercial venture of mine. As a freelance pencil illustrator, capturing anything ‘old world’ is an exciting topic, whether it’s to capture a bit of Cornish history or personify a busy scene. Both are topics I approach with my pencil, wielding a repressed child-like zeal.
As a freelance pencil illustrator, I wanted to share a snapshot of the process and information about this artwork. A black lead pencil drawing depicting a reading desk in a dusty, comfortable room.
But before I do, I need to share a message from Katrina, the owner of the West Looe Bookshop. A humble nod to those who helped to bring this piece to light.
Tribute to Neil | In Memory to Neil Stone ( 1965 – 2025 )
“Me and my partner Neil Stone (1965-2025) reopened The Old Hall Bookshop in 2019. We moved from Exeter to Cornwall because of the bookshop. Then we rooted here, in Cornwall because of nature and lovely people (they are the real treasure – reliable and honest).
Then In 2024 we moved the bookshop from the East to the West side of the river & opened it as West Looe Bookshop in Feb 2025 to keep the bookshop in Looe.
Neil Stone was exceptional song writer, musician and a writer. He loved books, music & me. He was a gentle soul. And I miss him terribly.”
– Katrina R – Kind Bookshop Owner, and patron to traditional artists
The Drawing | Honouring Neil Stone
When I was commissioned to work on this drawing, initially, it was to be multi-purpose.
On one hand, it was a commission piece to depict a mysterious scene to ‘all things reading’, an ode to tomes! It was a topic I threw myself into – headfirst!
And in the other hand, the drawing was to become a print that I would sell to other bookshops in the future.
But there is more to the picture than that now.
The Spirit Of The Artwork
Katrina & Neil have various visual acknowledgements in the artwork. To see these artifacts, I encourage the viewer to either purchase the artwork and take a closer look, or ‘read’ into it.
Or…
If you happen to be in Looe, why not visit the West Looe Bookshop and see if they have it stocked there.
About The Commission | A Love Letter To Books
As a freelance pencil illustrator (among other skills in illustration), my professional enthusiasm was quite genuine. I was commissioned to draw ‘some kind of reading desk’ and, in essence, allow my imagination to run riot in this setting.
There were boundaries, of course!
When creating this illustration, although a commission, I would need it to fulfil 2 needs. The first need of the client, and the second need of being to sell this artwork in other bookshops. This artwork was to become a piece that could be sold in the East Looe bookshop. And then the wider the market.
I was hopeful that other shops and galleries would want to celebrate and stock my homage to reading.
There is more to this drawing than just whimsical tones and comfort. From the dusty books, to the sunlight beaming down upon a book, illuminating its words. The window of yesteryear was the centre point; this illustration is packed with accents from those who were involved in its creation.
Here are some highlights about the drawing.
Candles
Candles! Part of the narrative is that many, many books have been read in here with many, many candles being melted down to the wick.
Untidy? Nonsense!!
Who would want to clear away old candles when they look great, melted?
The Mystery
I wanted this scene to invite the viewer into the piece while also maintaining an air of mystery. I wanted the viewer the feel cosy in this environment. The image is littered with curious objects, papers, notes, and of course… books!
The Open Book
This is a key focal point in the artwork. What is being read? Is there an underlying message? Is it for you to translate your own story? It is placed centre stage in the artwork.
The Cat
A happy cat, gently purring away by the foot of a reader.
Freelance Pencil Illustrator | The Technical Aspects of the Artwork – Medium
The drawing was built up in stages, using a mixture of mechanical pencils and blacklead pencils on Bristol Board. Here is a list of materials used.
- Mechanic Pencil 0.5 lead
- Faber & Castell 9000 Black Lead Pencils
- A4 Bristol Board
The Commission Process
As a freelance pencil illustrator, my process is similar to my other projects when working on a commission. Like this post, which discusses the methods behind creating a detailed painting for a client.
Here is a shorthand of my process for this piece of artwork.
- ) Enthusiastic conversation about creating the artwork
- ) Initial research and looking for reference materials
- ) Rough sketches/ideas – pick a winner
- ) Idea is sketched out A4 paper – moving towards the ‘real’ drawing
- ) Line work is detailed and fleshed out, this line work is passed to the client for approval!
- ) I then start filling in the drawing with my black lead pencils … this takes a while. In this time, Katrina is kept up to speed!
- ) More rendering…
- ) Finishing touches and some bits are rubbed out for highlights
- ) Image is scanned!
That is a lazy, short-hand overview of my illustration process for this project. For those who are curious about working with me, you may need to send an enquiry, I am afraid! I’m happy to take a look at your commission.
In Memory of Neil Stone
This is my work as a freelance pencil Illustrator… but are you inspired to read?
In the end, drawing this whimsical desk scene became more than a commission; it became a personal escape, a joyful exploration, and a celebration of imagination. I hope that everyone who sees it in reality feels a little spark of curiosity in their day!
Perhaps they’ll find the urge to sit down, pick up a real book, and start reading it instead of trawling social media. Pledge a little support to books and artists by visiting a bookshop! You just might find my artwork there!
In the meantime, I will continue to be “The Dragon D’art”. In joke there.
Thanks for reading.
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