Zoe Thorogood, graphic novelist and concept artist, was born in Bradford and currently resident in Middlesbrough.
Zoe is particularly inspired by narrative character design and has been a freelance concept artist since 2016. Her talent as both an illustrator and writer was quickly recognised and in 2023 she was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Awards in the Best Graphic Memoir and Best Writer/Artist categories. She was also nominated for the 2023 Russ Manning ‘Most Promising Newcomer Award’, and included in the Forbes’ ‘The Best Graphic Novels of 2022’ list. Forbes wrote of her work:
Thorogood elevates the dark material with her expressive use of the comics medium and the urgency of her voice. One to watch for the 2020s.
Zoe studied initially at degree level at the De Monfort University, Leicester, and worked on an internship at Splash Damage creating concept design during 2017. She then studied at Teeside University on the MA Concept for Games & Animation Course, 2018 – 19, completing the course whilst pursuing her own freelance career. In 2019, inspired by her own love of comic, Zoe attended a comics publishing event in London organised by the US publisher, Image.
Image, impressed by her portfolio, introduced her to fellow comic creators and subsequently published her debut and second novel; see below.
Character Sketches. Source: See artist’s social media, below.
In 2020, her first graphic novel, ‘The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott’, was inspired by her own long-term difficulties with eyesight. This made a big impact in the graphic novel world and its followers. Graphic Policy wrote: ‘Zoe Thorogood is one of the great cartoonists of this decade. A glorious and heart-rending look at creativity and relationships.’
Subsequently she has also illustrated for ‘HAHA‘ and for Joe Hill’s ‘Rain’ and in 2022 her novel, ‘It’s Lonely at the Centre of the World‘ was published, again to positive reviews from fellow artists, critics and readers.
‘Comic Lounge’ (Sophie Clay) wrote in 2021 of Zoe’s characterization in her novels:
Thorogood’s writing ability is undeniable. Snappy dialogue makes for an addictive sense of voice, with each character being clearly distinguishable – a talent which many well established writers still struggle with.
Zoe has also created the character of ‘Spider-UK’, for Marvel as a part of its Spider-Verse multiple universes concept.
In July 2023, the Observer published an article about Zoe’s work Young graphic artist set to be next big draw …
Artist’s Website: Art Station
Twitter: Zoe Thorogood