What is your artist background?
I think it all started with just being a naturally creative child. I was always drawn to the arts, ditching science and maths whenever I could in favour of photography, painting and anything hands on. In the early stages of my career, I wasn’t working in a creative field necessarily, but I kept art close, always painting or drawing in my own time. Then Covid hit, and like many, I suddenly had the space to slow down and really dive into what I enjoyed doing. What started as a creative outlet quickly gained momentum, leading me to transition into professional design roles while building up Studio Bronte alongside. It’s been a very organic and sometimes hectic evolution, but I’m so glad I followed that pull.
When did you start doing your art?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when I started, it’s always just been a part of what I enjoyed doing. I was lucky to grow up with parents who really encouraged creativity, so I think that planted the seed early on. But if I had to put a date on it, I’d say things properly kicked off during the first Covid lockdown. I wasn’t able to work at the time, so I turned to art as a creative outlet. It started with custom illustrations on Instagram, which led to art prints being sold online and in gift shops and then eventually evolved into a more traditional design practice. It’s been a really organic and long term journey, and I love where I’ve ended up.
When did you start your entrepreneur journey?
Honestly, I think it really kicked off during the Covid lockdown. Like a lot of people, I suddenly had this rare gift of time and mental space, and that’s when I decided to properly give Studio Bronte a go. It all began with custom illustrations, which then evolved into selling art products through NZ based gift shops. From there, it slowly grew into what you'd now call a more traditional design studio. It’s been a rewarding ride, definitely not without its ups and downs, but getting to be part of so many creative projects and collaborations keeps it exciting.
How do you describe your artwork style?
This is a tricky one! I’ve always been the kind of creative who’s constantly evolving, my aesthetic and direction tend to shift depending on what’s inspiring me at the time. While that can feel a bit chaotic at times, I’ve come to see it as a strength (still working on that). That said, there are a few common threads that always seem to show up in my work: a love for vibrant colour, fun organic illustrations and a warm, homey feel that makes the work feel personal and lived in.
Have you always done your field of art or was there other types of art that you have done? If so, what types?
I’ve definitely dabbled in a few different areas over the years, from photography and video for the businesses I’ve worked with, to more content creation focused projects. I think that’s one of the things I love most about Studio Bronte, I get to work across so many creative corners, so I never feel boxed into just one medium. It keeps things fresh, fun and constantly evolving.
What is the best/ideal environment for you when creating your artwork?
It’s definitely taken a bit of trial and error to figure out what works for me, and honestly, it still changes depending on the project. But right now, it’s a real mix! I’ve always been a morning person, so my day usually starts early with the birds, my brain definitely does its best work in the AM. I like to mix up my environment too, some mornings I’m at my home desk, and other days I’ll pop to a local café for a coffee and a bit of people contact (all creatives know how important that can be). Sometimes I’m fully zoned in with headphones and a podcast, and other times I like the background noise of the world just happening around me. For my puzzle collab with Piece House, my ideal creating spot ended up being the couch, music on and just getting cosy.
Who is your hero? / Who do you admire the most? And why?
I’d have to say women working in the creative space, they’re a constant source of inspiration for me. Whether it’s colleagues absolutely smashing it in full-time roles, creative managers who lift others up and lead with empathy or female-led businesses pushing boundaries and pioneering within the design world, I’m always in awe. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing women own their space creatively and support each other while doing it.
What values are important to you?
As cheesy as it sounds, believing in yourself and backing your ideas is a big one for me. Especially in creative work, where things can be so subjective, it can be hard to stick to your guns and trust your vision. But learning to stand by how you see something working, that’s where the magic happens. That said, flexibility is just as important. Things change quickly in the design world, briefs shift, clients pivot, ideas evolve and being able to adapt without losing momentum is such a valuable skill. Another big one for me is curiosity. Wanting to explore new ideas, try different styles, and challenge the way you work keeps things fresh. It’s that constant sense of “what else can I be trying?” that helps you grow and evolve as a creative.
Any advice for aspiring NZ artists?
Now, at the risk of sounding a bit cringe, my biggest piece of advice is to try not to worry about judgment. It’s so easy to get caught up in what others might think, but the real magic happens when you let yourself experiment, make mistakes and figure things out as you go. Creative work takes time to evolve into what you want it to be longterm, so give yourself permission to start messy, stay curious and be proud of the journey that gets you there. Oh, and say yes all the the! Say yes to the things that scare you a little, the things you’re not 100% sure of. Some of the most wonderful opportunities come from stepping into what scares you.
What was the inspiration behind your artwork for your PieceHouse puzzle?
With the theme being Christmas, my mind immediately went to the cosy magic of Christmas Eve, the night we gather with family and friends, build slightly wonky gingerbread houses, sip something festive and add those final touches to the decorations around the house. That feeling of warmth, togetherness and anticipation was the heart of my inspiration. I also wanted to have a heavy emphasis on fun, creating an engaging setting full of warm colours and bright tones.
Bronte created the Jolly Good puzzle artwork which you can view here.
What do you do to help keep your mental health in a positive place?
The word that comes to mind is routine, I’ve always been a bit obsessed with it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but having some structure to my day honestly changes the game for me. Freelancing can be a bit of a wild west at times, you’re your own manager, so it’s all on you to decide when (and how) things get done. I’ve found that, like many Kiwis, starting my day outside with a walk helps reset my brain and gives me a clear, fresh mindset going into the day. And honestly, having a wonderful support system in place makes a huge difference too. Those people who just get it, who know how to lift you up when you need it. Creative work can be a bit of a rollercoaster, so having those solid people around you helps keep things in perspective.
