Women Who Dared To Dream: Interview with illustrator Michelle Turton

Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared To Dream is a fully illustrated book that tells the stories of 30 inspirational women from Birmingham, past and present. We interviewed one of the incredible women who helped make the book a reality... Michelle Turton, one of the illustrators:

1. How did you get involved with this book?

I was invited by Philippa, I must have been on a list of artists to contact. I believe The Emma Press had seen my portraiture work exhibited at the Lichfield Literature Festival and thought it would be a good fit.



2. What was it like working on/being part of this book?

Elizabeth Cadbury

It was a dream project and a dream brief to illustrate five inspirational women connected to Birmingham. I love drawing portraits and was given free rein to interpret their stories as I saw fit. It's also given me the opportunity to talk about my work and celebrate female achievement on a grand platform; from the launch at The Rep theatre to the Hippodrome's exhibition launch and a book launch at Waterstones.

 3. What kind of responses have you had from the book?

People have been very supportive and encouraging. At the signing tables people, both men and women, are asking for more of this. This excites me, it gives me hope for the future. I look forward to seeing a new and balanced view of female strength and beauty.

4. What has been a highlight for you of being involved in this book?

Nina & Jane

I'm excited about young people being inspired by our illustrations of true queens and princesses fighting real world demons and dangers, and in doing so, furthering self-belief and ambition in young women today. Once Upon a Time in Birmingham is a perfect example of how we can maintain the momentum for future generations to take the baton and go run with it. Representing women in art is vital to creating a balance of voices. Visual language is universal and as illustrators this project is a perfect opportunity to use our skills and talent to shine a light on female achievement.



5. Can you tell us about a woman who has inspired you?

Dr Jane Goodall. At 85 years of age she's still determined to spread a message of hope. She uses her passion, persistence and purpose to improve the lives of others, animals & the planet we share.




You can find out more about Once Upon a Time in Birmingham and order your copy (£14.99) here. 

Photo: Jack Spicer Adams

Women Who Dared To Dream: Interview with illustrator Yasmin Bryan

Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared To Dream is a fully illustrated book that tells the stories of 30 inspirational women from Birmingham, past and present. We interviewed some of the incredible women who helped make the book a reality... Yasmin Bryan, one of the illustrators:

1. How did you get involved with this book?

The Emma Press contacted me after seeing my work at Birmingham City University graduation show. It felt so great to get approached like this as it feels like you've really been noticed!

2. What was it like working on/being part of this book?

As I had only just graduated it was really exciting to be working on a project with real recognition. The Emma Press were great and easy to work with and I often got feedback for my work when I needed it.

3. What kind of responses have you had from the book?

Since the book I have done a number of freelance projects, from greeting card designs to theatre backdrops, so quite varied! But most recently I have taken on a full time design position at The Media Group - a creative design agency.

Bertha Ryland

4. What has been a highlight for you of being involved in this book?

I think the highlight for me was just to be given the chance to be involved in something so professional. When you come out of university it can be hard to find your first job, so it was really uplifting to have a company believe in you and your work.

5. Can you tell us about a woman who has inspired you?

I feel like I should name an iconic person from history, but I actually believe that Beyonce is a big inspiration to me. I grew up listening and dancing to her music and as I've got older and her music has progressed, I find what she stands for really inspirational. She speaks for the little people and is empowering to black females everywhere. Always giving 100% for anything she's believes and is passionate about which is a great attitude to have in life. But then a woman who will forever and always be a true inspiration to me is my mum, she's just the greatest! Need I say anymore?




You can find out more about Once Upon a Time in Birmingham and order your copy (£14.99) here. 

Photo: Jack Spicer Adams

Women Who Dared To Dream: Interview with illustrator Chein Shyan Lee

Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared To Dream is a fully illustrated book that tells the stories of 30 inspirational women from Birmingham, past and present. We interviewed one of the incredible women who helped make the book a reality... Chein Shyan Lee, one of the illustrators:

1. How did you get involved with this book?

I am currently a full time illustrator and I was a Birmingham City University student majored in Illustration. Emma Press approached me after she took interest in my works through BCU's degree graduation show. It was a great honour to be able to illustrate 5 empowered women in government, activism and entertainment sector.

2. What was it like working on/being part of this book?

Shabana Mahmood

I always take a big interest in the publishing industry and it was the perfect opportunity for me working with Emma Press. It was an interesting project because I had to portray empowerment in each woman without overlooking their personal characteristics. Emma herself is an inspiring figure for running a publication in Jewellery Quarter and making Once Upon A Time In Birmingham happen. I would love to work more on books in the future because I think educational books are an important medium to inspire the future generation.

3. What kind of responses have you had from the book?

 Everyone loves the book, it was nice to acknowledge women are as capable as men in every aspect. I was really inspired after illustrating empowered women throughout Birmingham history. Back in my home country Malaysia, successful women are not as acknowledged as the women in England; it is really something we should strive for.

4. What has been a highlight for you of being involved in this book?

The highlight for me is getting good exposure and as well as meeting new friendly faces, Emma herself and fellow illustrators.

5. Can you tell us about a woman who has inspired you?

There are many women who inspired me throughout my life. My current inspiring woman is Yayoi Kusama, an iconic contemporary artist in our time. She has received many awards for her work and exhibited in major cities. What is so inspiring about Kusama is that she put her own fear in her works, making her art pieces her alter-ego. Besides that, Kusama is also an advocate for feminist art and environment art. I hope in the future I could produce art that inspires the world too.




You can find out more about Once Upon a Time in Birmingham and order your copy (£14.99) here. 

Photo: Jack Spicer Adams

Women Who Dared To Dream: Interview with illustrator Amy Evans

Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared To Dream is a fully illustrated book that tells the stories of 30 inspirational women from Birmingham, past and present. We interviewed one of the incredible women who helped make the book a reality... Amy Evans, one of the illustrators:

1. How did you get involved with this book?

I got involved with the book after I was approached by yourselves at the Emma Press and asked if it was something I would like to be involved in. How could I say no! The book didn't even have a name yet, but the concept sounded amazing and I couldn't wait to get going!

I am always proud to be a woman, and proud to have a connection to our beautiful Birmingham and its people. I was really excited.

2. What was it like being part of this book?

Being part of the book has been such an honour. It's a really special thing to be able to acknowledge these great women and their achievements by illustrating them and trying to embody their energy and spirit was a challenge that I tried to embrace. I desperately wanted to get it right so there were a good few furiously balled up sheet of paper in the process of trying to achieve their likeness! When things started coming together it felt good to represent them.

3. What kind of responses have you had from the book?

Lisa Clayton

When I tell people about Once Upon A Time In Birmingham it is always so well received. The way that it is out there and ready to inspire young women can only be a good thing and I love telling people about they way that was an all female effort behind the scenes too. My boss heard about it on the work grapevine and made a point to come and ask me about it and wanted to see a copy which was wonderful!

Hearing people being so positive at the launch and the Waterstones event was so touching. It's really out there and people are loving it, and I think that's been a real highlight. When I've illustrated books before, the normal process is that you finish your illustrations, it eventually goes out to print and it's exciting to see it on the shelves in book shops, but you never really get to see how it's received. This has been a really special book in that the events that have followed have allowed everyone to see how much the girls are enjoying it and being inspired by it.

 4. Can you tell us about a woman who has inspired you?

I find all women inspiring! My Mum, My Girl Gang, My sister, colleagues, everyone! If I had to pick one of the top of my head that inspired me when I was little I would choose JK Rowling. My Mum always made a big point, whilst I was reading the Harry Potter Books, about how she came from nothing and wrote the start of Harry Potter on a Napkin which I always found fascinating and must've taken real strength of character to get to where she is today.

Working on this book has really opened my eyes up to both the struggles and achievements of womenkind, that perhaps being born in the 90's I could've taken for granted. The world was a different place for women not so long ago and change has come about because of the efforts of so many women. The women featured in the book are particularly special because they knew what they wanted to do and were just going for it, regardless of their background, expectations of how they should behave or think or act. They have a cause for change and a job that needs doing and they're letting nothing get in their way! These are the kinds of women I admire in particular.

You can find out more about Once Upon a Time in Birmingham and order your copy (£14.99) here. 

Photo: Jack Spicer Adams