Illustrator Spotlight: Chloe Bristol



© Chloe Bristol

March 6, 2020

Today we are excited to feature illustrator Chloe Bristol and her new picture book, NONSENSE! THE CURIOUS STORY OF EDWARD GOREY, by Lori Mortensen (Versify Mar. 24, 2020). Enter to win a copy!





Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

Hello! I’m Chloe, I work as a full time illustrator and Visual Development artist for feature animation. I was starting to feel very comfortable in the animation world, but I felt like I was missing out on making a project I could take greater ownership in. I was really interested in exploring my own style, and picture books are great for that. 

© Chloe Bristol


Congrats on your recent book, NONSENSE! THE CURIOUS STORY OF Edward Gorey. Tell us about the story. What kind of research, if any, did you do to illustrate it? 

I had already collected a lot of Edward Gorey’s books and paraphernalia, so I knew about him and his work before starting my illustrations. He’s actually one of the people I attempted to mirror my own life after. Of course I never went to Harvard, I’m not smart enough for that, but I wanted to follow my own path aggressively. Some say my personal work looks like his, and I feel like there’s probably good reason for it. 


˙© Chloe Bristol

Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

It was somewhere in between. I took my time on all of the drawings, but it felt so quick. I was having so much fun. I wish it had been a longer book so I could have made more drawings.


What is your preferred medium and illustration process?  

I try to sketch for an hour or two. That’s usually long enough to get all of my bad ideas out. Then I start with a big fresh piece of paper, and I go at it with a dark pencil (I prefer blackwing pencils). Sometimes it take a couple of tries. This means a large stack of messed up drawings and pencil shavings end up all around my desk. Finally, I scan the drawing and color everything digitally. I’m afraid of putting real watercolor on my work, because I know it will do something I don’t want it to, so the computer allows for more experimenting and undoing.

© Chloe Bristol


What projects are you working on next?

I’m attempting to write my own children’s book, which means I’m learning is a whole new skill set. I’m also looking for an agent to help me out with this. It’s not as easy as it seems. 

© Chloe Bristol


What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?

Work hard, and you can do it. If I can do it, I’m sure anyone can. It just comes down to the time you’re willing to put into it. 

What is something most people don't know about you?

I really enjoy pickles. 

Where can people find you online?
chloebristol.com or instagram.
I desperately need to delete my tumblr so please don’t go there. 



Chloe Bristol grew up in Texas, not on a cattle ranch, but in the major city of Dallas. She’s currently living in Canada, but she is a resident of Los Angeles, California. This is to make things confusing for all the people she’s freelancing for. She’s legally blind and has no balance, which makes her really bad at sports. 
Chloe spends most of her time reading, drawing, watching movies, running in place, learning about serial killers, and looking at flemish art on the internet. 
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Comments

  1. I adore Gorey, and was just thinking that someone should do a picture book about him--looks like you're the perfect person. Congrats!

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  2. Another Gorey fan! Congratulations on your collaboration with Lori Mortensen - your atmospheric illustrations are wonderful! And good luck on your picture book!

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  3. I enjoyed her art in the Winterhouse series.

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  4. This looks terrific! I know quite a few Gorey fans that will be so excited to hear about this 😊

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  5. I also love pickles. I enjoy your art, especially how you show light and shadow. Insirational.

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  6. I've always loved Edward Gorey, so this book is one I'm really looking forward to!

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  7. I have several Gorey books, a Gorey poster, a Gorey plush cat, and four Gorey mugs, so I need this book!

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  8. I love your art style! It's gorgeous and lends itself perfectly to the story. Congrats!

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  9. I've always been drawn to Edward Gorey’s illustrations and morbid sense of humor. So, I'm thrilled to see that his art has inspired Chloe to create her own work of art. Thanks!

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  10. I'm really impressed with the style you're showcasing here...very original & evocative, esp your play with shadows. Good luck with your picture book!

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  11. This book looks interesting for sure. I love the coloring in your artwork. I have not heard of Edward Gorey before so I will have to look him up as well as get the book.

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  12. Love your artwork! I want to visit it in real life. LOL. Congratulations and best wishes!

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  13. I love Edward Gorey! This is a curious story I will be sure to read, one way or another. It'd be fun to win a copy. Congratulations, Chloe and Lori!

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  14. Hey everyone, thanks for all the nice comments! I hope you guys like the book. It was a labor of love. Gorey Forever XX

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  16. Love Gorey. Can't wait to read this one.

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  17. Love your art and pickles too! You and Lori make a great team! Thanks for the tips!

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