Toby Newsome is an illustrator born and based in Cape Town, South Africa

Toby Newsome is an illustrator born and based in Cape Town, South Africa. With a background in book design and animation, his illustrations are rich with energy, humour, and a playful use of textures and colours. His most cherished project, The Land of Plenty, a children’s book for young readers in Ghana, reflects his deep love for storytelling with purpose. Inspired by nature, passionate about diversity, and always listening for the next great story, he dreams of illustrating David Attenborough, who’s inspired him throughout his childhood.

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

The book The Land of Plenty. This is a first word book for children in Ghana, and is a collaboration with author and educator Kathy Knowles. Many things made this project special. We are both life-long fans of Richard Scarry and his classic word book, and it’s one of my strongest childhood book memories. It was a very complex project, spanning many, many months, so it was that much more satisfying to see it successfully come together. And lastly: knowing that it has aided in learning to read and enjoying books for children in Ghana, many in small rural schools and libraries, is what makes it the most special.

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

I am lucky enough to live in a city with lots of natural beauty (we have 2 oceans and a mountain), and it’s this which constantly fills me with wonder and inspiration. It’s also an excellent energy and spirit recharger.

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

I’m an advocate for more listening! I am a good listener. People can have wonderful stories, and it’s important to ‘hear’ everyone.

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

My early background in book design and animation have together been a big influence on my style: giving it both a feeling of graphic flatness but also a feeling of movement and rhythm. Earlier in my career I made a lot of paper collage, and even though I now work digitally with a pen, I often use it in a similar way to cutting shapes with scissors.

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)? 

Clients like the humour and whimsy in my illustrations. My work also often employs a lot of movement, has a lot of energy, and life.

How would you describe your style? 

My style is bright and colourful, whimsical and graphic. There’s a lot of pattern juxtaposed with flat cutout shapes. I love line, I use it very sparingly to describe and add energy.

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 

Any project celebrating diversity, inclusivity, acceptance and learning.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be? 

David Attenborough - His commitment and energy that he has devoted to the natural world is just astounding. His narrated documentaries have filled me with wonder since childhood.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

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