The Skate Society
My very first solo exhibition held at The Skate Society in lewes, East Sussex in August 2023 was one of my favourite events to date. Pete (owner) was thinking of getting different artists into the shop to exhibit and make there mark by painting the shop front. The same day I walked in and introduced myself. We instantly made a rough plan and a few months later I painted the whole shop front and held my very own exhibition. It was an incredible opportunity and I am very thankful for Pete and making this happen. The shop is no longer open but the painting is still there. So go check it out at 18a Malling Street, Lewes.
The Interview.
1. How do your experiences with surfing and skateboarding influence your creative work?
Honestly a lot of my inspiration comes from clothing brands. Surf/skate brands do it best and I’m a sucker for clothing with big graphics on the back. As for my bike and car drawings I have always loved ‘Shaun Mogar’s illustrations. They are unbelievable. Check him out @shaunmogarart So my artwork very much reflects the person I am and what I love. Whatever I am drawing or drawing on, Its clearly one of my passions. Surfing and skating has always been sports I have loved. Skating since a young age and surfing as an adult. Anyone that knows me would describe me as a surf/skate kinda gal just by how I dress but also my chilled vibes and values in life.
2. Your illustrations primarily use a black and white palette. What draws you to this colour scheme, and how do you use it to convey emotions and messages in your artwork?
Simplicity. The simple things in life. You can’t beat it. And Ive always been drawn to it. This is where my artwork portrays me as a person. And Its kinda like this.. . For you to understand the artwork you’ve gotta know the artist. As a person i very much am black and white and to the point. My illustrations are what they are and I enjoy drawing what I am passionate about. That’s just it. But you get closer and the finer details reflect the deep soul that I am.
3. As someone who's building a successful illustrating career, could you describe your creative process, from concept to final piece? How do you maintain a balance between your personal projects and client work?
Like many creatives an idea will come into my head out of the blue and I instantly want to produce it. Obviously thats not always the case. So I put my ideas down into my sketchbook, make a quick sketch and side notes. And it will sit there until its created. I’d say I see the final piece even before its even created. so thats why its not much of a journey. You’ll always find me creating with music playing. I can’t and won’t create without it. For client work I always get them to produce me a mood board kinda thing so that I can visualise what they want. This helps me be on the same page as them when creating what they want and not what I want.
The balance between both is a tough one. sometimes it can be 40/60. 0/100. 20/80. It just all depends on the workload I have at that time. I also need to balance not creating at all sometimes and being by or in the water will spark it all up again in no time.
4. Your illustrations seem to carry a sense of adventure and exploration.How do you translate these feelings into your artwork?
I have felt at my highest artistic potential since travelling Australia. I booked a one way ticket to Sydney in January 2022 knowing i'd want to travel the East Coast (and Bali) but that was it. Over a year later I returned home with a mindset to work for myself as an artist. Australia just put everything into perspective for me and you could say I was made for that place. The chilled vibes, the simple things being the only thing and the coolest things everywhere. My love for skate and surf increased by a millions. Meaning I wanted to paint skateboards, design surfboards, draw waves and anything to do with the ocean. I realised that the aboriginal art really took an impact on my artwork too which then also evolved into Polynesian art. So my adventure and exploration in my illustrations were all sparked by Australia but have been imbedded in me forever with my love for the ocean.
5: Are there any specific themes or narratives that you often find yourself drawn to?
My interests and passions. The Sea, Surf, Skating, Harleys, Cars.
6. You mentioned that you have started to see success in your illustrating career. How have you made the switch into a more full time illustration career?
Slowly but surely thats happening but I know theres a lot more hard work to do yet. My goal this year was to branch out to more than just my friends and family and with hard graft and being persistent I had my first motorcycle event in Margate called the ‘101 Run’. Since then I made new connections and a few successful commissions. And I have realised it is all about exposure and that is what I am working hard to do. And knowing that someone may not contact you straight away but you have planted yourself into their thoughts and something may come of it later. Patience and consistency is key.
So while I am still on my journey to being a full time illustrator I work part-time at ‘Redroaster’ a coffee Roastery in Kemptown, Brighton. (One of the first Coffee roasters ever in Brighton) Another passion of mine all made in Australia. Most recently I’ve had to cut down on my days there to fulfil my commissions. So thats great.
7. Illustration is a competitive field. How do you continue to develop your skills and stay innovative in your work? Are there any particular challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them?
I feel like each commission and my clients ideas really expand my skills which really excites me. As they bring something to the table that I can put my twist on. So skills are developing naturally. Staying innovative for me is taking time out from being creative until I have to create and staying as true to myself as possible is the best way that works for me.