Artist Feature: Jo
How long have you done art? What mediums have you tried?
Since I could use a pencil! I was always drawing in school at every opportunity I got. When I was in secondary school (up to age 16 in the UK), I completed a Fine Art qualification which allowed me to use a variety of mediums. My favourites were always acrylics and oil pastels, because I loved how I could blend colours. Since leaving education, I have had a long break from drawing anything regularly (about 10 years), only attempting to draw things to give as gifts every few years.
However, in March 2020 everything changed, as the UK entered a pandemic lockdown. So since May 2020 I have been drawing digitally almost every day using my new iPad Pro and the Procreate app. I have been making things up as I go along since then, experimenting with the different brushes and drawing inspiration from other amazing artists I’ve discovered on social media.
How would you describe your style?
I wish I knew! I love drawing smooth black outlines, and then filling space with colour and contrast. I’m still trying to find something consistent as I’m always inspired by others and find myself learning from them to incorporate different techniques in my drawings. I also think it depends on the piece; I typically enjoy drawing things that are comical to make people smile, but if I try to draw ‘pretty’ my style changes.
Tell us your Lore Olympus story.
I discovered Lore Olympus after seeing some fan art by an artist I follow on Instagram who usually only draws Reylo pieces. I wanted to understand the fuss, as I was sure I’d seen this pink woman and blue man elsewhere before. So I created a Webtoon account and started reading. After making my way through about 50 chapters, I stopped to sleep, only to resume the next day to finish every available episode. I have stuck with Lore Olympus for the beautiful art and witty character exchanges. It has been amazing to see Rachel’s artwork develop over time.
How has fan art changed your style or helped you grow?
Drawing so often has helped me practice new styles and refined my ability to draw smooth shapes. One of the best things about sharing fan art has been talking to other artists. An amazing piece of advice I got when collaborating on a project this year was to exaggerate body shapes or features to ridiculous extremes for comic effect.
At school I was educated on how to draw realistically, so drawing things for humour is something I’ve started to explore more. I think it has helped my work grow to show more of my personality.
Which Lore Olympus fan art are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of a fan art of Hades and Persephone that I did for a ‘Secret Santa’ art exchange I organised. When I look at that piece and the progress video I uploaded for it, I can see all the skills I have developed since May when I first started drawing digitally. It is something I am not yet tired of looking at and don’t think I will be with Hades’ teef. I also get a lot of joy from drawing things for other people, and I’m happy to have spread some festive joy at the end of 2020.
If you could body snatch one LO character for a day, who would it be?
I’ve been through so many possibilities but keep coming back to Ares. He is the polar opposite to my personality, so I think it would be fun to be savage, mischievous and depending on who you talk to, annoying, for a day. Also I’d get to terrify and torment Zeus.
Do you have any goals or aspirations for your fan art?
I would love to create my own webcomic one day (I say this even though I often struggled with completing my LO fan art mini comics). Before I got into my field of work, drawing was my favourite thing in the world. I lost enthusiasm at college as pressures of financial reality, boring assignments and university options took over. I also still have a dream to illustrate a children’s book one day, but during this COVID-19 pandemic my eyes have been opened to so many more possibilities.
With the support I’ve received through Instagram since July 2020, I feel more than ever I could make these dreams a reality.
Any advice for someone looking to build their art skills?
Draw as often as you can. It is amazing how much difference I have noticed in my own drawings in the space of six months. Practice doesn't necessarily mean perfect, but it does mean progress. The teacher in me knows this from experience! Be resilient, and you will start to see progress.
Just for fun: Who did you get on our Hades' dog character quiz?
Cerberus! I agree with the idea that I am a fierce and loyal protector of my friends, just like Cerbie.
Jo is a full-time Secondary School Science teacher from London, who currently resides in the North-East of England. She loves living by the sea and exploring the Northeastern counties of the UK. When she’s not working she’s either reading webtoons and fan-fics, streaming endless series or drawing Lore Olympus fan art. You can follow Jo at: