Here is an illustrator that certainly puts the ‘art’ in ‘cartography’. Alice Tait’s drawings have been featured on book covers, in magazine articles and on home products ranging from tea towels to lemon juice. We are especially fond of her London range as it features a beautifully illustrated map of central London capturing some of the most famous streets and landmarks. Alice told us a bit about herself and her illustrations.
I am from London, born to the sound of Big Ben chiming midnight near Westminster hospital.
I studied illustration at Bath Spa University, a fabulous creative hub, so many people I meet in my industry came from there, and we exchange stories about our crazy halls of residence.
You can check out my website, alicetait.com. I’ve also done the wall art for all of the Waitrose Cafés in the UK so you might spot me there, and my work is often popping up on book covers and in magazines.
I am inspired by my son at the moment, he’s not yet two and to him the world is such a fascinating delightful place, seeing it with him and through his eyes makes everything much more fun (which I hope comes out in my work too!)
I’m currently working on my first children’s book for Walker Books, and have done the illustrations for ‘Iris Grace’ by Arabella Carter-Johnson, published by Penguin Books, a wonderful account of a child with autism opening up to the world around her.
I’ve always loved maps. I remember from when I was little the excitement of poring over them, spotting familiar city names and marvelling at the neatness and gentle colours. I loved Geography at school as it was an excuse to get out the colouring pencils.
London was my first love: I grew up in it, was heartbroken when we had to leave when I was 11, and returned to live there on my own when I was 18, working in Hamleys.
Then when I was in my 20s living near Portobello Road I decided to sell some London Map prints there and it took off! The design became Habitat’s number one bestselling print, and I found opportunities to create products too, and the ‘Alice Tait London Range’ was born.
I’ve recently designed some new patterns to compliment the range so keep your eyes out for those, hitting the shops later this year!