We love to shine a light on the volunteers who help keep the British Fantasy Society running—this month, we meet the human who recently joined the BFS Horizons team to represent the fantasy art world. It’s time to meet Jenni Coutts!
Name:
Jenni Coutts
Which region are you based in?
Glasgow, Scotland
Your role on the BFS committee is:
Art editor for BFS Horizons
If you write, which genre:
Sci-fi & Fantasy – I also create artwork in these genres!
Are you drawn to any specific sub-genres?
I’m drawn to historical fantasy; I love the melding of real historical events with high fantasy elements. I think it’s a fascinating way to explore the past and how things may have unfolded. Admittedly, I am an avid cosy fantasy reader – it’s becoming a bit of an addiction. I also really enjoy both writing and reading far future sci-fi, especially about space exploration and cultures that may develop / form in the future.
Your work with the BFS
Why did you join the BFS committee?
I was invited! I’ve always enjoyed being part of the BFS, and members of the BFS have been so lovely and so supportive as my art career has developed over recent years. I am keen to get more artists involved with the BFS, as sadly this has somewhat faded away in the last few years. The committee have also been keen to expand the offerings for artists and illustrators, and as a BFS award-winning artist, they invited me to become involved and help with this process.
Tell us more about your role: what do you do?
As art editor for BFS Horizons, I am involved with cover and internal art selection for the magazine, as well as considering art direction. As art editor, I am also lead judge for the British Fantasy Society art competition this year, the winner of which will be offered a cover feature on BFS Horizons if their art is suitable (as well as other prizes!). As part of the BFS committee, I also help with discussing opportunities/events that the BFS could create involving artists and illustrators.
(Pictured below: some of Jenni’s own art)
What does this mean in practical terms for members?
When you submit art to BFS Horizons, it will be me who sees this and communicates about whether art has been accepted for publication / declined.
I also am keen to build up more of an art community again with the BFS, and if artists / illustrators are keen to be involved with this or if they want to join the mailing list regarding art work opportunities, events and upcoming artshows, they can email me via my BFS email (art@britishfantasysociety.org) – I would be delighted to hear from you!
If writers / publishers / editors are keen to commission artwork or be connected with artists, please email me on the above address and I can pass the details of your project to the art mailing list and connect you with artists who may be a good fit for your project.
If you have ideas about how the BFS could better support artists or events we could run, please reach out on the above email, I would love to hear your ideas and bring them to the committee!
Why should others get more involved with the BFS?
The BFS is an amazing source of resources, inspiration, support, and community. Through meeting members of the BFS (and eventually joining the committee), I have experienced both professional success as an artist but also have built lifelong friendships – I would love for other artists and illustrators to experience this vibrant and wonderful community and contribute their ideas!
Your influences
Tell us about the book/film/thing that got you into SFFH: What was it? How old were you? What impact did it have on you?
I grew up with things like Star Wars and always loved these, and loved watching Willow, but the thing I watched that really got my mind hooked with fantasy was watching Spirited Away when I was 7! I was immediately obsessed with this colourful and delightfully weird world of spirits, and it started a love affair with fantasy that continues to this day. Lord of the Rings is also a very strong contender here – 2001 was a big year! My sister and I developed a lifelong passion for epic fantasy sword battles, which we continue with the cardboard rolls from wrapping paper every Christmas. In this photo, I’m the bigger one on the right with the emo hair!
How does that early influence show up in your work now?
I loved the vibrant colours and striking imagery – all of the Studio Ghibli films are brilliant for this, but I still think Spirited Away is the best example of this. In my artwork I often lean towards bold imagery and symbolism, whether intentional or not! I try to keep the art as striking as possible – either using high contrast black and white ink, or using highly saturated and vibrant colour choices.
Lord of the Rings is also still a big inspiration for me – particularly the themes of fellowship and bonds that can last through separation and adversity. Found families are a strong theme in my writing work. I also enjoy exploring themes of growing up and maturing as Chihiro does in Spirited Away, especially in characters finding out who they really are through struggling.
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Here, there and everywhere! I think I have a very visual brain, often even a splotch of random colours or a few words read here or there will get my brain thinking about a piece of art or a short story. For me, the creative writing and art process are very interconnected – I have a strong visual image in my mind for every story I write, and I have a story in my mind for every piece of art I draw. I seem to have a lot of ideas when I’m busy – at work, out walking, boxing, weight lifting – the busier I am, the more creativity I seem to find!
(Pictured: Jenni’s cozy home space)
Who do you look to as a genre hero? Why?
Dianna Wynne Jones – she was one of the pioneers of the cosy fantasy genre, and her Howl’s Moving Castle series has always been a long-standing favourite! I grew up reading the Chrestomanci series, and still re-read these from time to time.
Your work
You’re stuck in an elevator for 60 seconds with that hero, and they want you to describe your work. Give us the pitch.
Featuring lab-grown experimental subjects breaking free of their restraints, exploring parallel worlds, searching for their own definition of freedom and family, and the purifying power of flames, my short story Wayward Dolls will be released as part of Gallus, a GSFWC anthology edited by E.M. Faulds, Neil Williamson and Brian M. Milton – it’s launching at Worldcon on Friday 9th August!
What are you working on right now?
Writing: Currently I am redrafting a scifi novel I wrote last year, about a found family of misfits competing in a high risk intergalactic race through unstable wormholes, except the race is fixed, and one of the crew is a saboteur. I think I wrote the first draft in a frenzy – 115k in 35 days! Sometimes there is a story you just need to tell. Now I have to bash it into shape. I’m thoroughly enjoying working on it, and I hope I get to share it with the world someday soon.
Art: I’m currently throwing myself into art show prep for Worldcon in Glasgow – it opens Thursday 8th August (tomorrow!), and it never feels like there is enough time to prepare! I’m really excited to share some new art, and this show will be my first time displaying some of my colour artwork. Getting all the prints organised and looking good is always a bit of a faff!
Thinking about all of your stories/work you’ve done, which one sticks out most in your mind? Why?
I think one of my favourite artworks I’ve created was part of a series designed to tell a short story in 6 parts back in 2020, featuring the story of a girl attempting to steal from a demon feast. I really enjoyed creating dark fairytale art featuring creepy demons – it was also one of the first times I had managed to create a series with detailed pen and ink. I’ll actually be displaying three of the original artworks at Worldcon in the artshow in Glasgow – go check them out!
If you’re a creator, where and when do you create?
Here, there, and everywhere! Mostly in my own home, but favourite secondary writing/drawing locations include cosy cafes, my garden, friend’s flats, local parks, in my work at lunchtime, occasionally in my car before a boxing class starts, or in the gym before a weight lifting session – they have some comfy sofas there!
I’ve found the more I use my brain to create, the more often in the day I want to do it. I work as a doctor and it can be emotionally and mentally taxing, and to make good decisions it’s important to take a brain break away from medicine at lunchtimes, but I find this can be difficult to do. Sometimes I find it hard to switch my brain off, and having writing or drawing implements to hand is a good way for me to channel that energy.
Honestly, moving around keeps things fresh for me – fresh ideas, and it stops my back from seizing up (think of a goblin hunched over their desk and you’ll have a pretty good idea). You have to make time, and you have to nurture it – the more creative I am, the more creative I want to be! It’s hard to fit in with all of my other work and life at times, but I’ve found setting specific time aside to daydream / create has been really helpful.
(Pictured below: some of the places where Jenni creates)
The quickfire round
Sci-fi, fantasy or horror?
Fantasy to read, sci-fi to write?
Quiet or loud?
Quiet
Dark or light?
I’m a sunshine girl – but the dark is deliciously appealing…
Strict lines or genre blend?
Genre blend!
Awards or bestseller?
Awards
Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction!
Poetry or prose?
Prose
Plotter or pantser?
Plotter, 100% a plotter, everything goes wrong very quickly otherwise!
Reading or listening?
Listening
Notebook or computer?
I plan in notebooks, and write on my computer!
Favourite SFFH book of all time?
The Song of the Lioness Quartet, by Tamora Pierce. I know, I know, technically it’s four books, but if you read Pierce’s interviews, they were apparently intended to be one long novel! And I read it all compiled into one book anyway, a tattered and dog eared copy I still have in my flat somewhere, so it still counts.
Last book you read?
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, by Heather Fawcett – would recommend, it’s a lovely cosy read!
Any SFFH author on auto-buy?
FT Lukens – it’s such cosy fantasy it gives me great joy to read! And the book covers are beautiful; check out Sam Spectre’s art, it’s lovely.
Favourite podcast?
Kind of niche, but Warographics – it helps me with keeping up with current events!
The home stretch
What’s the best thing about being in the SFFH community?
I think the community is the real highlight for me – since joining a writing group and then attending cons, and eventually joining the BFS, I’ve found myself surrounded by new and really lovely people who are constantly encouraging of my career, and who are always happy to give helpful advice!
Time to plug your stuff! Where can we find you and your work? What have you got coming up? Consider this your advertising space.
Art: I will be displaying and selling my work at the Worldcon art show in Glasgow. The art show will be open from Thursday 08/08/24 until Monday 12/08/24. In addition, two books featuring my artwork on the cover will be launched at Worldcon! First is Nova Scotia 2, an anthology edited by Neil Williamson and Andrew J Wilson for Luna Press (launch Friday 9th at 1pm), and the second book to feature my art on the cover is Gallus, a GSFWC anthology, edited by Brian M. Milton, Neil Williamson, and E.M. Faulds.
(Pictured: Jenni with her feline assistant)
Writing: In addition to having art on the covers, I also have a short story in Gallus (mentioned above). Come and join us at the launch on Friday 9th August at 4pm!
Committee / art lead: I will be hosting a British Fantasy Society meetup for artists and illustrators interested in submitting work on Monday 12th August (Hall 4) for Worldcon ticket holders – come and say hello!
BFS Horizons is currently accepting submissions for artwork for issue 19. I am also the lead judge for the British Fantasy Society art competition, which you can read more about and enter here – this year’s entry window has now closed, and the winner will be announced at Fantasycon in Chester.
In addition to this, I am the art show lead for the World Fantasy Convention in 2025 in Brighton, and we are in the active stages of planning this currently. If wishing to contact me in my art show lead capacity, please email me via artshow@worldfantasy2025.co.uk