Illustrator Jo Chambers of Studio Legohead

Dog Greeting Cards

Waggo Benny Christmas cards illustrated by Jo Chambers of Studio Legohead

We came across the talented illustrator Jo Chambers of Studio Legohead a few years back and commissioned her to create some greeting cards for us at the holidays. She’s known for her darling custom portraits of dogs and cats, as well as her floral patterns and embroideries. We’ve been following her work ever since and wanted to re-introduce her work to our Waggo fans. A big thanks to Jo for answering our questions!

Interview with Jo Chambers of Studio Legohead

 How many years working as an illustrator? Where are you based?

I’ve been working as an illustrator/pet portraitist for over 5 years now, but I have always followed a creative path. Oxford is where I am at present, although I spent a long time in Bath, and I’m originally from glamorous Luton ; )

Formally trained? If so, what did you study?

I studied art and textiles at both college and university. Specialising in print and embroidery.I’m very happy if I’m creating.

Just curious, what was your first job?

Hmm, I think it was at a ‘greasy spoon’ cafe. I didn’t last too long!

Studio Legohead

Image via Studio Legohead

What’s your process of completing a commissioned piece? (Speaking more to the creative process, per se.)

I always ask for great photos and a bio about the canine/feline in question.I like to get a good feel of the models personality and character. it really helps with the feel of a portrait. Once I’ve received the above I get cracking on the drawing, making sure I capture the finer details and get across the personality. It starts with line then I add the colour. I seem to always start with the eyes. It’s where it’s at for me.

Your style is so unique. I can spot a Jo Chambers piece from a mile away! (That saying doesn’t mean much in the UK, does it?! It’s a good thing!)  What informs and influences your style? More specifically, any particular time periods or movements in art history?

Firstly, thank you! Thats very nice to hear. I was really influenced in my early years at college by artists such as Matisse and Picasso, colour was always important to me and I had tutors that really got us to think about how we used it. At university I became aware of David Hockneys line drawing, especially his portraits and his Brothers Grimm etching series. The simplicity of the line but with the skill to translate emotion and feeling really got me. I guess that’s why I like using line. I’ve spoke about my nan a lot when asked this question. She was a collector of tat. her house was a treasure trove of kitsch oddities, it was such a treat for the eyes. Slightly dusty and neglected, but a treat none the less. She was a real character. I miss her.

There’s got to be a story behind the name, Studio Legohead. Would you mind sharing it?

A friend of mine gave me the nickname Legohead, due to my hairstyle. I had a fairly blockish red bob for a long time. Which apparently looked like Lego hair! It stuck and I’m still known as legohead to my friends from my college days. It was never meant to be a business name, but when I started out, I had an exhibition, so for a laugh I named myself Studio Legohead. And here I am nearly 6 years on, still with it. Don’t tell anyone, but I do intend to change it very soon. Although funnily enough after 5 years of not having a classic bob I’ve recently grown in back. I’ve decided I like very short hair much more so it will get the snip soon!

Do you own any animals? (It’s hard to imagine you wouldn’t!) If so, what kind?

You know what, I don’t. It’s shameful and I long for a canine or feline friend. I always had pets growing up, but living in rented accommodation and having moved a few times in the past 8 years means I haven’t been able to commit. I would love a dog, maybe a grumpy faced one. But saying that I met an Italian Greyhound recently and it was divine! So calm, graceful and peaceful. Either that or a stocky grump. But I’ll be honest I’m a sucker for any canine.

StudioLegohead-Pug

Image via Studio Legohead

What’s your favorite animal/breed to illustrate? Any easier to do than the others?

I really enjoy drawing grumpy faces, pugs, bulldogs, boxers. I think it’s the character they have. I am though a fan of a greyhound/whippet. Elegant, long lines. But I really cannot grumble about drawing any. They are all fabulous!

What’s been your favorite commission to date? (No pressure to choose Benny!)

Well there was this time that a fantastic pet company from Brooklyn commissioned me to do some greeting cards for them ; ) Of course Benny is up there, how could he not be! I also loved working with Mutts & Hounds a UK based company. I designed a dog fabric for them which they used on dog beds and apparel. Creating a portrait for the photographer Robyn Arouty was pretty great too. I’d seen her work on Pinterest, and out of the blue she e-mailed to commission me to draw her sadly departed pal Maya. We are both fans of the designer Pucci and she had found me via my Pooch In Pucci drawing. We’ve been friends ever since. There really are too many to decide. I love working with people. Dog lovers are fantastic, well the ones I work with are anyway. I’ve met so many wonderful people across the globe through my work. I feel very grateful.

Who are your favorite artists?

As a have stated above, Matisse, Picasso I will never tire of. As well Sonia Delaunay, Martin Parr, Elsa Schaperelli. I enjoy couture embroidery too, the intricacy always astounds me. I also very much like naive art, outsider art. I’m interested in people enjoying the process of creating.

Seeing how someone uses art to express themselves interests me greatly. I did terribly at school, then went to art college and found my path. it really opened things up for me. Oh, I’m a big fan of Grayson Perry too, more so for his tapestry works. The colour, size and composition are really something else to see in the flesh. He’s recently designed a ‘Dream House’ which is fairly spectacular. I like characters and personalities. I love an eccentric!

What are you currently working on? (If you’re able to share.)

I’ve just had a commission from a big card company in the USA, which is very nice. Also I have signed with an agent. I want to grow my work, who I work with and the products and projects I could get to work on. The agents are great, so I’m very excited by that. I will still be doing my dog commissions though, so don’t worry ; )

Where can we purchase your lovely work?

You can but prints, cards and custom portraits via my website and Etsy. I get a lot of direct requests from people who find me through blog/website features and Instagram. I’m also on Spoonflower too, I have a few fabrics on offer.

Lightening Round! 

Beatles or Elvis (or alternately, Backstreet Boys or NSYNC)?

hmm, not a massive fan of either. Although the first song I ever cried to was She’s Leaving Home, by The Beatles. And I watched Blue Hawaii featuring Elvis numerous times growing up, for some bizarre reason! Can I have Prince or Michael Jackson? In which case I think I’d have to say Prince.

White or Red? I love white, as I work with white a lot, but I’ve have red hair for over 20 years. So I don’t know. I’m not very good at this am I?1

Cookies or Cake? Cake, but limited. carrot cake or a good brownie are my favourites. I’m not much of a cream cake fan.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate always!

Tropical getaway or ski vacation?  Hmm, neither! Either city break or in ‘the sticks’. Somewhere rural, costal, or with big hills.

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