Patricia Grannum is an illustrator and author based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Patricia Grannum is an illustrator and author based in Trinidad and Tobago. Her work is inspired by folktales and mythology and she loves telling people that she really lives in Wonderland. We're very happy to hear she’s having the time of her life creating illustrated storybooks and colouring books these days.

When did you start illustrating?

I’ve been drawing since I was a kid but I started really taking it seriously about six years ago. I worked at another job and needed a creative outlet so I found a free digital art program online and started experimenting with it. Later when I gained more confidence, I started sharing my work on social media and people started asking me to create art for them.

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

Definitely my mom. She has got an artistic streak in her too but she prefers to express it in other ways like through her passion for cooking. But she’s always there to give me encouragement and sometimes some constructive criticism on my illustrations.

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

Frankly, no. I was on a completely different career path for several years. But I think the desire to create was always there at the back of my mind.

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

Definitely young female characters of colour. I think it’s because I see myself in them and want them to go on the adventures that I’d always envisioned as a child.

How would you describe your style?

It’s a mix of a lot of influences that I’ve picked up on my illustration journey. Even though I’m mainly a digital artist, I like to take a “mixed media” approach to my work by incorporating textures seen in traditional art. I also enjoy using bright colours as a storytelling device.

What is your favourite collaboration to date?

A couple of years ago, I was asked to illustrate a kids colouring book based on West African gods and goddesses. It completely opened my eyes to a culture I knew very little about previously.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?

Definitely the diversity of styles and artistic approaches that you represent.

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

Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli for the sense of wonder that his films evoke while also tackling much deeper issues. I also love his knack for creating unique and iconic characters.

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

Yes, I’m working on a story called “Alice In A Caribbean Wonderland” a retelling of the classic tale with elements of my (Caribbean) culture. I hope to do a series of similar retellings with “Thumbelina” being the next one.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?

Currently, I love binge-listening to a podcast called “You’re Wrong About.” It’s all about researching commonly held assumptions about big news stories and bringing new insight to them. It’s pretty riveting stuff!

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.