Heather Horsley
Contents Page by Heather Horsley
Usual Customers by Heather Horsley
Heather Horsley is one of our BA (Hons) Illustration graduates who has been chosen to display her work in the Images 35 exhibition. We asked Heather to discuss her inspiration, work and career as a freelance illustrator.
Inspiration and work for AOI Images 35 exhibition
My aim to visually explore and comment upon lay-by Café environments. The social class and the social interactions of people who use them and the people who work there.
I have always been fascinated and drawn to the unique appearance and culture that surrounds what has been known as 'transport cafes'. In more recent years, since the growth of the motorway networks, 'roadside cafes', run from prefabricated buildings and static caravans set up in lay-bys and rest stops, have become more common. It is these that I was especially drawn to.
After my initial research I realised that the potential for observation and exploration was galvanising. To observe and interpret the relationship and connections between the place, the products they offer and the people who use them really interested me. Roadside cafes have a general air of decline in the modern catering business world that values style, hygiene and conformity. I have always had a natural curiosity of unique institutions and operations, places that seem to be ignored or forgotten by a large majority of people. I felt that this subject matter offered a really good opportunity to create a valid and interesting piece of work.
My main aim would be to create a visual reportage piece, illustrating the many interesting and unusual details of the surroundings, the products and different social groups and individuals who use roadside cafes distinct from the typical main stream cafes, tearooms, restaurants and motorway services we see popping up all around us today.
Working as a freelance illustrator
Presently I am based in Banks' Mill studios working full time as a freelance illustrator, predominately working in publishing and more recently the advertising sector.
Since graduating in June 2010, I have completed a children's book for a client in Chicago and have gained a contract with a greetings card manufacturer and have worked on many book cover designs and editorials.
I am also working on my third major exhibition which will be presented in the Royal Derby early next year.
Find out more
For more information about Heather's work please see her website
