What is your artist background?
I studied Visual Communication Design at Massey University in Wellington majoring in Illustration.
When did you start doing your art?
I’ve been interested in art for as long as I can remember but the first time I properly tried to paint and draw was for my Year 11 portfolio and I was hooked from there. I decided I wanted to work in the art industry in some way when I left school and thought that would be fine art but then discovered I could mix both fine art and design as an illustrator in my first year of university and never looked back.
When did you start your entrepreneur journey?
After I left uni and did a bit of travelling I came back to Wellington in 2017 and while working in hospo, worked on my portfolio, created art and tried to post to Instagram and portfolio sites as much as possible. Through this I got a few of my first freelance opportunities which were mainly alcohol labels. I then got a 9 month full time illustration contract with Te Papa and afterwards started full time freelancing. I then built up a client base and signed on with my agent, Watermark Creative.
How do you describe your artwork style?
I’d describe my artwork style as detailed botanical and whimsical with a lot of movement. I draw inspiration from nature but also love to merge things together that aren’t entirely realistic.
Have you always done your field of art or was there other types of art that you have done? If so, what types?
My work has developed and evolved over time and slowly incorporated a lot of different mediums. For example I used to only work in detailed black and white inkwork. No colour. Which I still love to work in but over time I started working with colour and digital work. I also paint murals. The variety keeps things interesting.
What is the best/ideal environment for you when creating your artwork? (Music – what type, inside, outside etc)
I gather a lot of reference and inspiration from nature so outside is where ideas generally begin but when actually creating the work the ideal environment for me is in my home studio with background noise. Music, show or podcast depending on the time of day. Coffee machine at the ready.
Who is your hero? / Who do you admire the most? And why?
I honestly don’t think I have a hero but there are a lot of artists and people I admire. Growing up I was obsessed with the Flower Fairies by Mary Cicely Barker and the work of Brian Froud which instigated my love of whimsy and botanics. For years I have also loved and followed the work of illustrators like Emilia Dziubak and Kate O’hara who both have very different but beautiful detailed work and always put so much care into everything they create. I really admire the other artists and freelancers in my life also and don’t know where I’d be without them. Admiring someones work from a distance is one thing but being able to intimately know the hard work, highs and lows and realities that goes into the careers of my fellow art friends and be able to relate to it is something else entirely!
What values are important to you?
That is such a tough question! I really value freedom and I know I’m very privileged that my career allows me to have a lot of flexibility. A respect for nature and lifting people up as well as surrounding yourself with people that do the same.
Any advice for aspiring NZ artists?
Don’t get wrapped up in comparison. When I was first starting and trying to get work I really got caught up in trying to develop the style that was “getting the work” and comparing myself to other illustrators that looked like they were doing really well and it really holds you back from figuring out your own style and doing what you actually want to do. When that would happen I would turn my phone off, go into nature and just write down what I liked and what I was interested in pursuing without the distraction of social media. Keep putting your work out there.
What was the inspiration behind your artwork for your PieceHouse puzzle?
My artwork was inspired by fairytales and the desire to escape the noise of the world and get lost in a story. I’m also a little bit obsessed with overgrown buildings, lost treasures and the stories they hold. Zoe is the amazing artist that created the Petals & Pages puzzle which you can shop here.
What do you do to help keep your mental health in a positive place?
Getting outside and getting some sun when possible really helps. Putting the phone away and getting lost in a good book. Working from home can be a little isolating so finding time to get out and socialise with my friends and partner is also very important to me.
