Artist of the Month - Iain Welch

This month, we’re delighted to feature the very talented artist Iain Welch, who has drawn over 10,000 dogs and has no plans of stopping anytime soon! Iain’s illustrations are full of character, humour and, of course, lots of dogs. We recently caught up with Iain to find out more about his work, where he finds inspiration and his love for our four legged friends.

Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?

A. I’ve had a full and fun year so far but I have to say that the most inspirational thing I’ve done in 2026 to date is going to Goodwoof, a dog centred festival in Chichester, held at Goodwood. It is full of fun, activities and there are thousands and thousands of happy dogs to meet. I’ve been three years in a row and I hope that I can make it next year, too!!

Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?

A. I’ve got a few things that I’m working on at the moment, which are super exciting, but I can’t tell you about them, yet. One thing that I can tell you about is the Woodmansterne Dog Advent Calendar, which I worked on, which will be available in shops in the UK soon.

Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?

A. I’m a line and wash artist. Pencil or pen with watercolour. I’ve been drawing a wee while now, so I don’t use reference as much as I possibly should. If I’m stuck on something, Pinterest is my go to reference solution.

 

Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?

A. I love the work of so many artists but, I have to say, Quentin Blake and E H Shepard are my biggest inspirations.

Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?

A. Draw. Draw every day. Draw from life, draw from your imagination, draw something on the telly, draw the actual telly. Draw your dog/cat/shoes. Draw, draw, draw!!

Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?

A. My book, “It’s a Tough Job Being a Dog,” published by Harper Collins, came out in the UK in March this year. It is available in several countries so far and comes out in America and Canada in September. I really hope that people like it. We’ve tried to cram in as much doggie happiness into the pages as we possibly can!!

Q. What is your first memory of creating art?

A. I’ve been drawing since I was three. I remember drawing in our home in Heronsford, not far from Ballantrae, at that age. I’ve been drawing dogs since I was three, too.

Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?

A. If I’m not drawing dogs, I’m walking dogs, cuddling dogs, napping next to dogs, feeding dogs...

Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?

A. Drawing dogs. I’ve drawn well over ten thousand now. I’ve no intention to stop any time soon.

Q. What is your dream project?

A. My dream project, apart from working on my book which was a dream come true, would be to work on a Paddington book.

It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Iain and print his wonderful illustrations. Make sure to follow Iain on Instagram and check out more of his work on his website. We can’t wait to see what he draws next!