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MILLIE CHESTERS
2/9/22 - 8/9/22
Postal exhibitions are back!

OUTPUT is thrilled to unveil the first in our second series of postal exhibitions, by Cheshire-based illustrator Millie Chesters.

Millie’s print compiles drawings of multiple subjects which she was prompted to draw by navigating Wikipedia via the 'random article' button. This array of characters and objects reflects the wealth of information at our fingertips, and the particular mindset that many of us emerged from lockdown with - internet-addled, and deeply immersed in our own most niche interests. Now we are firmly in the so-called 'post-pandemic' era, and the rhythms of conteporary life have resumed, this piece reminds us to find time to pause and allow ourselves to be surprised.

Millie’s joyfully expressive drawings are a reflection of her busy mind and many varied influences. She has recently worked on projects with Halton Libraries, Homotopia, Ty Pawb and Liverpool Slavery Museum.

Instagram: @milliechesters
Printed by Pagemasters

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Q&A WITH MILLIE CHESTERS

How did you go about making this work?

I started the way I do with every project - an inky pen on many sheets of cheap printer paper. I then scanned all the drawings in and added colour in photoshop. Being able to make it into a riso print allowed me to really lift the colours and play around with gradients, so that was really fun.

This print is a Risograph - have you worked in Riso before? What are your favourite print mediums/why?

I’ve worked with Riso a few times. I was first introduced to it during my first week of uni. I think my favourite print medium is riso because of it’s possibilities. It is a more environmentally friendly way of printing and it looks so amazing. Also being able to use fluorescent colours is always a win for me.

Why did you decide to start drawing random subjects from Wikipedia?

I was stuck inside and struggling to find inspiration. I absentmindedly clicked on the Wiki bookmark on my web browser one day and noticed how their homepage features different articles daily. The idea just appeared before me - to click on ‘random article’ and see where it could take me!

There are a lot of sports players in the image, is that a particular interest for you?

I tend to draw people/figures/portraits, and as a huge football fan, I naturally love drawing sports. The motion of it, the colours and the outfits. It’s just a lot of fun.

Did you notice anything about the “random” selections?

I noticed a lack of women. It made me wonder if women are overlooked in history.

Were there any subjects you didn’t draw?

I aimed to draw most of the things that came up. I noticed that I had a bias towards drawing sportspeople, though, so once I felt I’d drawn too many, I decided that I should skip them out. Maybe my next project could be to draw every sportsperson who comes up.

How did you get your start in art & who are your biggest influences?

I’ve been constantly drawing since I was little. I’ve always been encouraged and supported by people around me so doing it as a job has always been my aspiration. My first gig was with The International Slavery Museum - so shoutout to Hwa Young Jung for asking me to work on that project! My biggest influences, to name a few - I love Jason Polan, Jillian Tamaki , Josh Cochran, Laura Carlin.

Why did you choose to focus on illustration?

My foundation art tutor told me that my style is very illustrative. I went to the LJMU degree show in 2015 and I realised that it was something I’d really like to do.

What have been your favourite projects to work on to date, and why?

I’ve done 3 issues with tennis magazine RACQUET now, and they’re among my favourite people that I’ve worked with. Each project with them has really allowed me to draw in a joyful way, and getting to draw tennis-related things is just great.

What are your goals for the future?

I’d love to establish myself more in editorial illustration, design a beer label, work with Manchester United, or The Lionesses. I’d also love do an album cover. Lots of big goals!