Connor Rutter

I'm an illustrator who creates character art, picture books, comics and cards. Open to work in many styles and topics. In my personal art i'm particularly passionate about telling meaningful messages about today's world through the eyes of cutesy characters.

I like to create in traditional methods with the likes of a variety of mixed media to express the freedom of mark makings and texture, as well as the digital space with programs such as Procreate, Photoshop Blender and Unity, to elevate my illustration to a professional standard.

You are looking for a talented individual to join your team, who can create fascinating stories and interesting worlds and overall share a positive message to inspire others? Then look no further. In me, you’ll find an adaptable illustrator who can bring fresh concepts and a friendly face your team.

Meeting several practitioners and receiving feedback from them during education has taught me imaginative new ways, expanding on ideas that work for the given task and the audience’s expectations. When tackling a brief, sketching is my initial starting point. I test sizes, styles, and details that make sense with the project. I’m committed to start working on projects right away, to create drafts that allow for early feedback between me, the team, and the client. Storyboards and thumbnails are a key element for me to get alignment on objectives and create a consistent and in-depth narrative, pitch or image.

Working on a team, clear communication and open-mindedness are key strengths I bring on board. Several presentations of my work to demonstrate message, theme, audience, and format, allowed me to gain a solid understanding of how to get ideas across concisely and within a limited time frame.  I possess an extensive drive to results and am able to achieve goals within limited time frames, benefitting a whole team.

My illustration style is focused on characters and landscapes, which I refined in my primary MA comic project "Pango's Odyssey". I focus on a strong sense and understanding of materials, mark making with strokes from various equipment, texture, and composition. The project taught me how to create habitable places in my landscapes, and fill them with detailed characters that show relatable characteristics for the audience, without sacrificing integrity to design. Additionally, I gained a solid understanding of how to focus, edit and remove elements, to create balance in my work. In return, composition and tone in colour and frame study, shown through my project, expanded my understanding of the importance of limiting to select colour palettes with smart details. I do not just do this to meet requirements, but also because I gain enjoyment from applying and growing my illustration skills.

I take joy in creating, adapting and expanding my knowledge, to benefit my practice and projects.  

My BA and MA illustration practice, as well as my personal work, are rooted in a strong understanding of mixed media and the ability to employ digital as well as traditional art practices, depending on requirements given and stage of the creation process. When it comes to software applications, I am quick to adapt and educate myself where necessary. During university, I built a solid foundation in Procreate and Photoshop to tweak textures and structure in art pieces that may have started traditionally, and InDesign to create various art journals to reflect the creative process, while simultaneously working with standard office software if required to share and discuss results with others. Additionally,  I also possess skills in applications such as Blender that transform my concepts into places to explore. Furthermore, I gained knowledge to transport my digital art into physical forms when preparing for exhibitions, in the form of individual pictures, booklets, and printed comics.  

As a student representative I was tasked to uphold tasks, relaying information and partake in organization of events key to the course. A sensible and smart attitude is what you will find in me that can also be playful when approached. 

Acquired MA Illustration at the Arts University Bournemouth - (2021-2022)

Acquired BA Illustration at the Arts University Bournemouth - (2016 -2019)