If you’re an avid watcher of The Great British Bake Off, you’ve probably seen a Tom Hovey illustration without even knowing it. The Welsh Illustrator based in Bristol, has been Bake Off’s resident illustrator for ten years now, producing illustrated graphics of food. And, at least according to him, his signature style has been a key element to the show’s success becoming the most watched TV series in the UK in 2015 and 2016.
“I have been a food illustrator almost exclusively for about three years,” said the illustrator in an interview with Lecture in Progress. “Most of my year is taken up with my main client, Love Productions and Channel 4 for whom I produce illustrated graphics for a number of programs under the Great British Bake Off umbrella. As well as Bake Off I work on The Great American Baking Show, Junior Bake Off and Stand Up 2 Cancer Bake Off. I also work on a select few jobs throughout the year, mainly food-related projects.”
Scrolling through his Instagram page, it’s easy to say why he was promptly snatched for his food illustrations. “A ten year freelance gig is unheard of, so I feel very lucky,” he said, talking about his unique career path. “It kickstarted my career, gave me a name in the industry and has made my style very recognisable.”
“For a long time, I couldn’t see a way that I could ever be comfortable financially and be a full-time illustrator. So being able to support myself through drawing is something that I am grateful for everyday and try not to take for granted,” he added.
Take a look at some of our favorites of his.
