Toby Newsome

Illustrator

©Toby Newsome

Crafting magical tales

Toby’s interest in illustration was ignited by his mother who is an illustrator
His illustration for the children’s book Grandma’s List won the Children’s Africana Book Award in 2019
He draws inspiration from the American illustrator Ezra Jack Keats

Toby Newsome is an illustrator from Cape Town. His illustration journey began under the guidance of his mother, an illustrator herself. Encouraged to experiment from an early age, Toby’s love for drawing blossomed. He showcased his talent by illustrating his art school’s logo and crafting surf sticker replicas for friends during his school years. Despite the absence of a direct path to study illustration in South Africa, Toby pursued graphic design studies after high school, influencing the evolution of his style. Exploring diverse techniques, he transitioned from linocut prints to intricate paper cut-outs and vibrant watercolours. Toby describes his style as “flat, graphic, bright and whimsical.” Embracing shape, texture, and free-flowing lines, his enduring dedication to the craft is evident in the captivating and vibrant narratives he brings to life.

Interview

©Toby Newsome

©Toby Newsome

Why did you choose this craft?: As a child, illustrated books were such a powerful presence in my life, that I wanted to be a part of the magic that is storytelling and the physical beauty of an illustrated book. I deeply believe in the positive power of books and reading. I love the act of translating a story graphically to the page.
What is your creative process?: I sketch ideas on paper, starting very roughly. I work on very cheap paper, and try not to be protective of my drawings. I tear, cut, erase, and stick different sketches together to make a more finished sketch. I scan this onto the computer, and use photoshop to make the final illustration. I use a drawing tablet to make the work.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love visually translating a project, coming up with ideas and the magic moment they arrive on paper. I do also love the process, seeing an illustration move from possibly not quite working to being crafted into something that does.
Was there a memorable moment in your career?: In 2019, the book Grandma’s List written by Portia Dery, for which I was the illustrator, won the Children’s Africana Book Award (CABA), and I travelled to Washington DC for the ceremony and a short book tour. It was such a privilege to meet the other writers, illustrators and educators who are so passionate about African storytelling and strive to promote it.

Toby Newsome is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1997