Hello, I’m Gemma.
I am a cartoonist, writer, illustrator and all-round small person. I’ve written a few books, including - A Pug’s Guide to Etiquette (Dog N Bone 2013) The Feminist Activity Book (Seal Press 2015) and The Worrier’s Guide to Life (Andrews McMeel 2015).
Click here to find out more about my books and comics.
You can see my comics on The Nib and at Tinyview Comics.
My illustration clients include Amazon, Hallmark, The New York Times, Oxford University Press, Knock Knock, Chronicle Books and Bodyform.
You can find my contact details on this page.
What other people are saying about my work
“wtf. worst cartoons ever!” - Luc Walker of Australia
“I don’t understand this new illustration trend that’s… just bad pen drawings …” – Gabe, from Twitter (and also, Australia)
“… ugly, pig-faced drawings … ” – Angry Canadian lady
“How is this funny? Like at all?” – Mariah (location unknown, but I’m guessing probably Australia)
EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS
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FAQs
Where did you study?
I went to art school in Norwich (England) – I have a BA (hons) degree in Graphic Design specialising in Illustration.
Why do your illustrations look like a five year old drew them?
I hire a five year old to do all my work for me. I pay him in fudge. His name is Alan.
Are you available for an interview on my blog?
Possibly. I am very busy and get a lot of interview requests, but I will answer if I can.
You can e-mail me at gemmacorrell @ gmail dot com
Do you take personal commissions, for portraits n stuff?
Occasionally, but I am generally too busy. I do usually take commissions at events.
What’s your favourite colour?
Red.
What’s your starsign?
Aquarius.
What’s your favourite word?
Albuquerque.
How do you scan your images / contrast them / clean them up?
I scan my images into photoshop and then use the “Levels” tool to adjust the black/white until I’m happy with the result. Same if the image is in colour, although that makes it a bit trickier to get the balance right. I just use the good ol’ fashioned eraser tool for any mistakes (although often, I’ll just leave the mistakes in the drawing)
Which pens do you use?
I use PITT artist pens, Uniball Eye and UniPin fineliners, as well and Kuretake ZIG Art & graphics Twin. For colouring, I use watercolour, ink, Kuretake brush markers and Kuretake Clean Colour brush pens. For murals, I like Posca paint pens, or Kuretake “Paintys”
Is being an illustrator a real job?
No, it’s a fake job. I actually run a very successful drug smuggling ring. I just pretend to draw things and distract people with my cute pug.