An Aberdeenshire artist who has sold 25 million books worldwide believes artificial intelligence will never replace the creativity and character of hand-drawn illustrations.
Johanna Basford, 43, who works from a small studio in Ellon, has become a global publishing phenomenon after helping to spark the adult colouring book craze.
Her intricate, nature-inspired designs have attracted millions of fans around the world, and she is now preparing to start work on her 20th book.
But despite her extraordinary commercial success, Ms Basford has resisted the temptation to embrace digital technology, insisting that the imperfections of traditional illustration are what make her work special.
Speaking to The Telegraph today, she said: “I don’t think it will ever replace the hand-drawn line. My circles are a little bit wonky and my straight lines are a little bit askew, and these drawings have a different kind of character, and when you show people the process, it has a story and a bit of heart to it.”
Ms Basford, who studied textiles and illustration in Dundee, published her first colouring book, Secret Garden, in 2013 after persuading a publisher that adults would enjoy sophisticated colouring designs.
The concept became an international sensation, with demand soaring during the Covid pandemic and a thriving online community developing around her artwork.
Despite selling 25 million books, the entrepreneur has also rejected opportunities to expand into lucrative merchandising deals, including branded bedding and ceramics.
She explained: “I would rather be drawing new butterflies than signing a contract to endorse the same butterfly appearing on 50 different things.”