2) What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I love the process of creating something from nothing. A blank canvas is very exciting for me! I love bringing my imaginary world into the real one, I think there's a kind of magic in creating characters and worlds that weren't there before.
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3) Where do you draw inspiration from?
I'm inspired by children's picture books and a long list of authors, illustrators and artists work.
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4) What motto do you live by?
Ethos, pathos, logos, kairo (Ethics, empathy, logic, opportunity).
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5) Favourite artist?
I couldn't have only one favourite artist, there are so many I admire and am inspired by. I love the work of Oliver Jeffers, Steve Anthony and Rob Biddulph.
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6) How do you stay motivated?
I tend to go through phases of creative energy. I'll be super productive, creating tons of work that I'm very happy with for a while. Then I'll have a block of time after that where I won't feel inspired to create anything, it can be quite scary especially if I have a deadline that falls into this period of time! To get motivated when I'm not feeling inspired I read picture books, catch up on what illustrators and authors I'm inspired by are doing or watch a documentary (eg. Disney+ studios documentaries) or kids movie (James and the Giant Peach, The Little Prince etc.).
7) Describe your work in 3 words.
Fun, quirky, imaginative
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8) Quote to live by?
'A creative mind is engineered by an adventurers heart, oiled with the passion of a dreamer.' - Lauren Lolly Beukes
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9) What is the best advice you have been given?
Just draw.
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10) What processes do you use when creating?
I tend to start creating a project by free drawing, I try not to overthink it and just sketch, scribble and scrawl until I feel like I've reached a starting point. Then it's a process of refinement; editing, redrawing and scaling to a final version that I'm happy with. There is always a real risk of overworking, I try to take a step back and little breaks often so I can look at my work in progress with fresh eyes.