Close Up Interview with the artist Jemima Nichols

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

My name is Jemima, and I’m an artist and illustrator. I draw pictures for children’s books and comics (often using pen, pencil and watercolour) and paint portraits (often in chunky oils). I’ve also dabbled in graphic design and art teaching – primarily with children. I’m currently doing something a bit different and studying full-time at Moore Theological College, where I’m learning biblical languages (Greek, Hebrew) and things relating to the Bible. I’ve recently married Robbie Nichols, so if you want to find my earlier books, google my maiden name, ‘Jemima Trappel’.

Jemima and  Robbie

Where do you get your inspiration from when you draw?

When I’m doing my own work I get it from all over the place, though often from mundane items. When doing work for other people (which I tend to do more of these days) I get my inspiration from the text I’m given.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

Bubbly, fun, energetic, friendly, approachable.

Guimelpod #4: Champy

Medium: Pen and Watercolour

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

My very first job involved collecting snails from mum’s veggie garden, counting them up afterwards and feeding them to our chooks. It involved simple mental maths to figure out how much she owed us per snail. Since then, I’ve gone to art college (COFA) after high school and trained as an artist. I still enjoy using simple maths in my work – such as when scaling up an illustration page.

As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?

Working with clients who are fussy. Alas, this is life…

A comic page

Tell us about how you prioritise your art?

Deadlines. If there’s no deadline for a project, it doesn’t tend to happen.

How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

Good question. I network through family, friends, groups like the SCG, previous people I’ve collaborated with and also through Christian circles. Being a committed Christian who has worked in ministry and a published illustrator I find myself in a niche – a lot of people know me and have forwarded work on to me. My work happens very organically.

Guimelpod #1: Evei

Medium: Pen and Watercolour

Your advice to artist who are just starting out?

Practice your craft. Make the most of every opportunity relating to the field you want to get into. Be honest and kind. And, at the end of the day, when your hand is sore from drawing, remember what (or who) really matters to you – art isn’t everything.

Tell us about your up coming SCG Group art exhibition Art at ArtSHINE Gallery?

Looking forward to it – I have put in some of my own original creations – water colour illustrations of ‘Guimelpods’ – cute little cyborg creatures!

What is your proudest moment so far?

I have proud moments in a number of different areas of my life. Professionally as an illustrator though, it would have to be when the first children’s book I illustrated won the Caleb’s award for best children’s book in 2013. It’s called ‘Wonderfully Madison’ and is written by Penny Reeve and published by Youthworks Media.

Jemima’s Children books

Who do you most want to meet and why?

Jesus. He’s badass, so wise, and so kind. And I’m looking forward to meeting him after my time on this earth is up.

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

To trust God with my anxiety, and that his mercies are new every morning. (It’s a great thing to remember when I miss deadlines.)

Guimelpod #3: Ressor

Medium: Pen and Watercolour

Framed: 27.5 x 22.2cm

Price: $350

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?

I’ve just finished reading ‘The Victor’ by Patricia St John. It’s great. I also recommend the book ‘Crazy Love’ by Francis Chan. It’s about God, and it’s mind-blowing.

Where do we find you and your products?

You can find me at my blog, jemimatrappel.blogspot.com or by doing a google search of my maiden name, ‘Jemima Trappel’. My books will come up on their publishers’ websites.

Guimelpod #7: Pelote

Medium: Pen and Watercolour