Kate Copeland's Vector Perspective

Kate Copeland is the talented new illustrator responsible for redesigning the War Child logo, as seen in posters for the War Child Army Of You event featuring Filthy Dukes, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, We Have Band, Jeremy Warmsley, Stopmakingme and Leo Greenslade. Kate Copeland’s trademark pen and pencil versus vector illustrations have graced the likes of projects for Fabric and Pure Groove, and she undoubtedly has a bright future ahead. Here, she talks about the university art hustle (she is currently studying at at The Arts Institute in Bournemouth), and her ventures into animation. War Child’s Army Of You takes place on July 15 at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill Gate.

Dazed Digital: How do you juggle your freelance and college work?
Kate Copeland: It's tough, real tough. It's a lot of late nights but it's worth it. It's important to find a balance between commissions and university work too. I've been incredibly lucky to keep getting regular commissions. Often, it's a lot of work for little to no pay, as it's often for bar posters or low circulation magazines. You've just got to keep working and bigger and better opportunities come along.

Dazed Digital: What else inspires you?
Kate Copeland: Recently, I've been looking at graphic design for inspiration. Along with old vinyl covers and band t-shirts. I'm worried that if I spend too much time looking at other illustrators, I'll become too influenced by what everyone else is doing and forget my own direction.

Dazed Digital: Are you into Hello Von and Si Scott’s illustration work?
Kate Copeland: I'm a huge fan of Hello Von. I think his pencil skill is stunning. If I can get my drawing skill close to his standard, I'll be extremely fullfilled. I've only ever skimmed across Si Scott’s work, it seemed little too pretty and swirly for my tastes, but looking at his work now, there's huge skill, beauty and elegance. Thank you for bringing his work back to my attention!

Dazed Digital: Can you talk about your love of animation?
Kate Copeland: Moving image has opened a new creative outlet for my work. It eliminates a lot of the constraints. It offers a way to create and explore the depths of narrative. Working with animation has also introduced me to the importance of sound. I'm still very new to animation, but it's something I want to keep exploring along side my illustration work. I never want to limit myself to one discipline.

Dazed Digital: What’s next?
Kate Copeland: I'll be starting my third and final year at university. It seems like it's came round far to quickly. I've just completed working for War Child, designing the flyer for the Army Of You event and redesigning the logo for the event. It's been a real pleasure working for them. Hopefully, next will be new, exciting clients and more work in the music industry. I love designing vinyls and stage backdrops... maybe even shop windows. I'd love to see my work on a bigger scale.