keiron Ward | artist and illustrator
It’s a well defined skillset to successfully bring story characters to life through various mediums. Whether you meet them as 2D and 3D digital personas through video games, immersive experiences, movies, animations, AR activations or in books, there’s a quality of storytelling involved to help audiences and readers feel emotionally connected.
Meet industry veteran Keiron Ward, freelance Artist and Illustrator who specialises in bringing globally recognised characters to life for children’s books and merchandise. His professional portfolio boasts IP’s the likes of American television hit series Friends as stylised cartoon characters along with Jurassic Park for Scholastic through to 2000 AD comics featuring dystopian hero slash protagonist-villain Judge Dredd published by Rebellion.
In this quick-fire Q&A we discover how he’s blazing his own trail throughout his artistic career and the future ahead.
Tell us a little bit about your background, what you do and what you specialise in.
I’m a 2D Artist and Illustrator, I mainly work in the field of character illustration for children’s products and children’s books, including characters from world famous brands such as Disney, Marvel, and Nickelodeon.
How has the last year been for your business?
I’m freelance, so of course things tend to fluctuate. This year started quietly, but picked up pace by the spring, with several book projects kicking off that have continued through the year.
Scholastic children’s books – Feelings are Better with Friends: The Television Series. Illustrations by Keiron Ward.
What’s been your most memorable project and what recent successes have you had?
In recent years I’ve illustrated a range of fun books based around the popular TV show Friends for Scholastic publishing that seems to have gone down well.
Which software and hardware do you use in your craft? Which ones achieve your desired results best?
I prefer to blend traditional art skills with technology, so I still love to pencil draw, and colour, or ink with a tablet, mainly using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator apps.
What challenges are facing your industry sector?
Really the constants are still deadlines and budgets.
Arsenal and England Lionesses women’s football and sporting hero, Leah Williamson
What do you think are the most exciting trends in your industry right now?
It’s great to see a plethora of strong female characters coming through more and more, from Superheroes to real world heroes like the footballing England Lionesses.
The use of Generative AI is on the rise – do you see yourself harnessing this tech and what are your thoughts on Generative AI as a creative tool and art form?
It’s early days, never say never, but as an artist, I do like to create everything myself from scratch, so who knows!
What are your aims for the coming year?
To seek out new work, and new art styles, to boldly go where no one has gone before!
Keiron Ward
“I prefer to blend traditional art skills with technology, so I still love to pencil draw, and colour, or ink with a tablet, mainly using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator apps.”
Ward’s collection of commercial and personal art depicting famous characters. Images courtesy of Keiron Ward.
What tips or advice would you give to others considering entering your industry?
Keep developing and practicing your art styles, both traditional and digital, and keep on the look out for new work contacts wherever you can.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Yes, I’m a total Geek and proud of it!
You can follow Keiron on Instagram @KeironArtist
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