woodmark artist Paris Arthur

Have you always been artistically inclined?

I have always had an interest in drawing and art. I was lucky to grow up in a creative home, where equal value was placed upon art and creativity compared to other academic pursuits, so I was encouraged to create from an early age.

What medium do you use for your base illustrations – is it by hand or digitally?

As much as I love traditional hand drawing, I am thoroughly in love with the vast spectrum of possibilities you can create on a screen using nothing but a program and a stylus.

How do design ideas come to you?

Everything I draw is inspired by my favourite literary or pop culture references. Some are mash-ups of both. I keep a notebook where I scribble down any ideas I get when I read a meaningful quote or see a memorable scene.

How did you come up with the idea of using wood instead of the traditional card bookmarks?

Back when I used paint instead of a tablet it was much cheaper to buy large pieces of ply than it was to buy a canvas from an art store, so I have always loved putting art onto the natural texture of timber.

Can you walk us through the process of creating a new woodmark from start to finish?

Firstly I consult my list of inspiration. I choose the quote, line, character etc that I am most excited to create, then I draw up the design on my tablet. The designs are then printed onto ethically and sustainably sourced timber that is about the thickness of a credit card and very pliable. The timber sheets are then cut into woodmark size.