I’m very very happy to have illustrated today’s Google Doodle, celebrating the life and achievements of Jackie Forster. She was a T.V presenter, journalist and gay rights activist. One of the first women on television to speak publicly about being gay, helping pave the way for thousands of women to do the same in their own lives. Today would have been her 91st birthday.
Above are some initial sketches and ideas for the Doodle. The art direction called for there to be an equal representation of the two sides of Jackie's legacy, her award winning T.V. news reporting and her activism, all the while keeping in made the “Google” logo.
It’s a tricky brief but one I’m proud to have taken on. The BFI Archive was a great free and incredible resource in sourcing information about Jackie. It was wonderful to see footage of her in the documentary “From High Heels to Sensible Shoes” (BBC 1997) She was so animated and funny in her work and passionate about achieving equality for LGBTQ people.
Read more about her life and campaigning on the Doodle archive.
There is also an excellent obituary here.
Thanks once again to AD Erich Nagler!Â
