Fred Campbell; a Disabled Illustrator / Animator, he loves to draw in pen and ink

Introducing Fred Campbell; a Disabled Illustrator / Animator, he loves to draw in pen-and ink and tell stories. With over 5 years experience working in the industry, Fred has worked for a range of clients, including Conde Nast, Paramount U.K and Gingerline, an immersive-theatre company. In 2020, the show he created with Gingerline “The Grand Expedition” was Long-listed for the World Illustration Award.     

Fred has some fantastic stories to tell, some at sea, and some in hospital, some historical tellings and he’d also like to work on any new opportunities that include his disability, please get in touch if you’d like to find out more…

When did you start illustrating?

I have always drawn, since I was a little kid. I was obsessed with Batman Comics and Calvin and Hobbes. I would produce my own comics that were rip-offs of both, plus whatever I’d read in The Beano that week.

Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?

Both my parents were super supportive of my interest in art. My Mum worked as a picture framer and would bring home large pieces of scrap backing card for me to draw on.

Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?

Yes in some way. I’ve always loved creative writing as well, so it all got a bit more complicated when it came time to choose what to do at university. When I discovered that illustrators often wrote their own comics and picture books, there was no looking back for me.

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

I love all things nautical. I think it comes from growing up on an island. I love to draw crashing waves and big wooden ships.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as off-kilter pen and ink drawings with a modern flair.

What is your favourite collaboration to date?

I loved working with the theatre company “Gingerline” on their show “The Great Expedition.” I got the chance to illustrate lots of different characters and locations from around the world, and then to see those illustrations projected in such an immersive way was really special.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?

I saw that Illo were an exciting agency that represents a really high calibre of artists. I also like that they champion artists from a diverse range of backgrounds. I was drawn to the agency because I’d like to reach more people with my work.

Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?

My favourite film-maker at the moment is Karel Zemans. He was a fantastic Czech filmmaker working in the 1950s and 60s. He was a master of special effects and matte-paintings and created illustrated worlds that his actors moved through. I’d recommend watching the documentary Film Adventurer: Karel Zemans for an excellent introduction to his work.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I am working on a graphic novel called “Hospital Property” about my relationship to my disability and my grief after losing my father, and how these two things intertwine in different ways. I am also working on a series of illustrations of the work of H.G Wells.

Do you listen to podcasts?

If so, do you have a favourite? I, like many designers listen to A LOT of podcasts. I think my favourite at the moment is Blank Check, a film podcast, but I also love 99% invisible which is about all things design and Backlisted which is a books discussion show.

If you have any questions or a specific project in mind, please do get in touch: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.