AstridCastle

As long as I can remember I have always drawn pictures or created sculptures out of any medium I could get my hands on. The fact that I can now have a career in illustration is truly a blessing and my greatest dream come to life.

After school I studied Fine Art and majoured in sculpture at the Technikon in Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape, SA) and even then I enjoyed sculpture that was more illustrative than conceptual. Naturally after studying I had a real thirst to try my hand at illustration. I plucked up the courage to approach a publishing house with only images of my 3d sculpture portfolio and a promise that I could draw. I was lucky enough to get a commission. That same publisher kindly gave me the details of an established illustrator, Chantelle Thorne of Crazy Cat Designs, who was looking for an apprentice at the time. So greatful for the opportunity, I plucked up the courage and went for the interview. Chantelle and I worked together for 3 years and are now great friends. After working with Chantelle in Johannesburg I moved down to Cape Town and again approached publishers, but thankfully this time around I had an illustration portfolio. Since then I have explored computer illustration as well as still enjoying traditional illustration and the mix of the two.

I am currently based in Cape Town and have been so lucky to have found a beautiful creative space that I share together with other artists at Sobeit Studio. In this Muizenberg studio there are several jewellers, a fashion designer, a sculptor, and a graphic designer. If you are able to find fellow creatives to work with I truly recommend it...and always carry a sketchbook!

Even when I am away from my desk I find great joy in drawing, especially if I get a chance to draw a comic doodle.
I hope you enjoy the work seen on this site and please feel free to contact me if you wish.