Alumni: Illustrator Bethany Wood

The Northern December 12, 2016

We caught up with Illustration for Commercial Application and Interactive Media Alumni Beth Wood. Born in 1993 and based in Newcastle, Beth is currently freelance illustrator and comic artist. Have a read of our conversation below on what Beth’s been up to since graduation and what’s next in the pipeline for her!

Beth, it’s looks like you’ve been busy since you graduated! Can you tell us what you have been up to?

Since I’ve graduated I’ve been extremely busy! I’ve been working with Comic Book Slumber Party (a collective that works towards promoting women artists in the comic industry) and Avery Hill Publishing for CBSP’s third book of their British Comic Award nominated series – Deep Space Canine. It’s a sci-fi themed anthology with contributions of fantastic women artists (predominantly UK based) where I’ve had the honour of being the lead artist (which basically means I connect all the contributing comics together to make one overall connected arc). It will be released on sale in early 2017 and is debuting at Angoulême International Comics Festival in France, which I believe in the 3rd biggest comic festival in the world. I actually would have never had this opportunity if it wasn’t thanks to my tutors at The Northern School of Art – as it was during my time down in London for our graduation show I met CBSP’s editor, Hannah K Chapman. The staff at The Northern School of Art are fantastic with supporting students develop the skills and confidence to be professionals in their chosen industry/industries.

That sounds amazing, go you! What’s been your greatest achievement to date?

Professionally, it would have to be Deep Space Canine, as it is my professional debut in the comic book industry. Personally, it would have been how much I’ve progressed as an artist and storyteller in the last 4 years at CCAD. I studied 2 years of Creative Film and Moving Image Production fda before transferring onto a 2 year top-up studying illustration for commercial application. Both courses helped me get to where I am today.

Amazing work, what’s next for you and your flying career?!

I have another anthology contribution lined up for 2017 with another publisher which is going to be a lot of fun. As for other things I’m just going to have to wait and see, but I am very excited for next year.

And how did you find your time and studies at The Northern School of Art?

Oh The Northern School of Art was a blast, and I loved my time at the institution, in particular CCAD’s atmosphere, as it’s a smaller institution compared to other universities it’s a close-knit community of students and staff. I was supported through tough times by The Northern School of Art staff as they really care about their students well-being.

Can you tell us one piece of advice you’d give to someone wanting to follow your footsteps?

Make the most of the opportunities you receive at The Northern School of Art and be confident, don’t compare yourself to other student’s abilities – as creatives we’re all in this together. Work hard, be creative, but most importantly enjoy yourself.