Introducing Rachel Moss; raised in an artistic household in Jamaica

Rachel Moss grew up on the vibrant island of Jamaica, where she was raised in an artistic household. She earned a First Class BA (Hons) in Animation from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England. After completing her studies, Rachel returned to Jamaica, where her passion for storytelling and children's books, led her to pursue illustrating Children’s Books.

She is drawn to creating artwork that is both inspiring and uplifting. Whilst Rachel enjoys working digitally for its versatility, she also has a love of traditional painting on canvas, which she explores in her free time. Her work reflects her love for vibrant, colourful imagery and her desire to inspire through art. Rachel currently resides in the colourful city of Kingston with her husband, two children, and five cats. She loves the seaside, mountains and cups of tea and coffee.

Here’s where we unpack some of Rachel’s thoughts/ creative process…

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?

I would say it is a toss up between two books I have illustrated, “The unforgiveness Monsters, A lesson on forgiveness” Written by Roawanne Sylvester ( a Jamaican author) and "Lean On Me" Song Lyrics by Bill Withers one of the Lyric Pop series. The Unforgiveness Monsters is probably my favorite to date though particularly because I really wanted to capture and visualize the meaningful lesson and deep story concept so that children could really understand it. This was a Challenging process but as the ideas and inspiration came , the creativity flowed and I am pretty pleased with the outcome.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I always get inspired looking at other artists work, I love to collect Children’s Books just for the illustrations! Creativity fuels creativity, I think. I also love to watch people and observe how they interact with each other, so every day life inspires me. I think overall though, just making time to be refreshed and spend time in nature helps to fuel my creativity. I love the seaside so that is one of the places I go to be refueled.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

I love Christian Literature. Having the opportunity to collaborate in this area is a huge passion of mine. To take spiritual concepts and break them down for children is not only challenging but also rewarding. I also love positive wholesome stories. Stories that uplift and bring joy to those who read it.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

Hmmm, this is a tricky one, but what comes to mind is that I’m a trained animator. Although I decided to pursue Illustration instead, I think the concepts I learnt studying animation are always with me, and capturing emotion and gestures and life in my drawings are important to me.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

Capturing Diversity in my illustrations, and, having a great working relationship them.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as colourful, lively, emotive and engaging. And it mostly consists of drawing people. However, I think my style is evolving as I grow as an artist. Hopefully as new challenges come my way, I grow artistically with them.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you.

The opportunity to work on a project that is for both print and for screen. A part of me. still loves character design and the world of film and Animation, So I would love the opportunity to be a part of the visual development team for a project like that, especially if the story and theme of the project are ones that I love.

if you’d like more info, please contact: [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.