Warmest Welcome to Rachel Horne

Rachel Horne is a self-taught artist and illustrator based in Brittany, France. She loves to explore different types of media and discover new ways of working. Her work is whimsical and poetic, drawing from both life and imagination. She plays the cello in a local orchestra and currently lives in Brittany with her family and various animals, including her faithful dog/studio assistant, Ziggy.

Here is a Q & A we did with Rachel to get to know her more: 

When did you start illustrating?

Initially, I was more into fine art but I began moving towards illustration about three years ago. People around me would look at my canvases and tell me how my paintings reminded them of scenes they'd seen in children's books and I could see my work becoming more and more illustrative too so it just seemed like a natural transition.

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

I'd have to say my family, especially my husband who has always been very supportive and encouraging.

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

Since I was a small child I've loved drawing and making things, it was just something I always did. I knew art would always be there, even though I never really consciously thought of myself as an artist for a long time. 

What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?

I think this is something that changes all the time, to be honest, but I'm particularly enjoying illustrating people and animals at the moment – especially together, I like observing the interactions that take place between people and animals.

How would you describe your style?

I think my style is constantly evolving as I'm being inspired from so many different areas but I suppose I'd probably describe it as being generally quite poetic and not following any kind of rules.

What is your favourite collaboration to date? 

Last year I did some illustrating on shop windows and really enjoyed it. It's a bit of a challenge drawing this way but I love the possibility of such a large surface and you can get really creative mixing 2D and 3D media.

What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency? 

They have such a lovely, wide range of artists from such diverse backgrounds. I also like the fact that they adhere to certain values such as the importance of promoting diversity within an illustration.

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

So many – I've always been a big reader and some of my favourite writers are Margaret Atwood, William Boyd and Anne Tyler. When it comes to children's books, they immediately spring to mind: Tomi Ungerer, Oliver Jeffers, Beatrice Alemagna and Jon Klassen. And as for directors, again, the list could go on but I'd have to say, Terry Gilliam, Guillermo del Toro and Wes Anderson to name a few...

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

I've written a few stories for children and am currently working on some illustrations to go with them...

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

I'm always changing up the podcasts I listen to and probably prefer the radio or just listening to music, to be honest. One I always listen to, though, and my favourite illustration is 3 Point Perspective from Jake Parker, Lee White and Will Terry.

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.