Hello!

I’m Clare. 

I’d describe myself as an explorer and self-confessed nerd. I’ve worked in medical research with kids at Great Ormond Street Hospital, collected lemur poo in Madagascar (yes really), and I enjoy watching wildlife, and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.

I grew up as an army brat living in Germany with family in Yorkshire, but I’ve lived in that there London for over 20 years. I thrive on exploring the city, the whole world is here, and the museums and galleries are some of my favourite drawing places, as is the good old double decker bus. I’ve always got my sketchbook with me to capture the everyday, and the unusual.

Difficult situations, such as burnout from working in emergency humanitarian communications and coping with chronic illness, drew me back to drawing, and I discovered illustration as satisfying work I could do at home, while incorporating my varied experiences. I find creating stories and inventing characters a joyous way of bringing knowledge, compassion, humour and fun to children. As well as illustrating, I love to write, having created some picture book stories. I’m also exploring non-fiction for children around wildlife and science utilising my knowledge.

I recently completed the Pathways Into Children’s Illustration programme which seriously levelled up my illustration skills. The taught courses, working with Usborne on my final brief, and the mentoring programme with the wonderful Al Rodin all increased my confidence. I’ve also made good friends with my fellow mentees who are a fab and supportive group of people. My blog is coming soon and I’m planning on sharing them on here, as well as my own new illustrations.

I enjoy drawing on my natural history nerdiness and biology background to create fantastic creatures, monsters, and anthropomorphic animals, as well as more realistic animals and humans. I love putting animal characters in human situations, and have a strong interest in drawing urban environments, which I feel are underrepresented in picture books, and enjoy juxtaposing the urban and the wild. My goal is to make stories full of empathy and emotion, diversity and humour, and to spark kids’ curiosity.

I’m currently seeking literary and illustration representation or am open to working directly with a publisher who takes creators without an agent. If you feel I’d be a good match for you please do get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks, Clare

Written Feedback from Usborne Publishing from my final literary brief with Pathways Into Children’s Illustration

Clare Storry

Strengths
Researches the topic thoroughly. Listens well to feedback and discusses the issues thoughtfully. Very engaging in discussions. Would be lovely to work with on a commission. Her communication surrounding her illness was also very professional.

Progress and development
Started with several different slightly conflicting stylistic approaches but took on board feedback really well, worked hard, and the finished work now has a strong, accomplished sense of style.

Outstanding characteristics
Responds very creatively to the text, bringing life and character to her depictions – of the Berg as well as the people. Colour and warmth will appeal to the age group. Extremely thoughtful approach e.g. the Berg’s eyes lit with flames.

Potential areas for improvement
More consideration of typography and how that pairs with the illustration. Hopefully this process will make her more confident in her own considerable abilities.