Well, its that time again...
Grab that cuppa, a few biscuits and get yourself comfy!
This month we're getting to know Lesley Grainger, the artist behind the etsy shop.
Originally from England, where she studied art, but now living in sunny California, Lesley creates whimsical and unique designs inspired by her children, colour and nature.
I first noticed Lesley's work during my University days so its a pleasure to include her work here on the blog, enjoy!
Originally from England, where she studied art, but now living in sunny California, Lesley creates whimsical and unique designs inspired by her children, colour and nature.
I first noticed Lesley's work during my University days so its a pleasure to include her work here on the blog, enjoy!
1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...
I began as a self taught graphic designer, then I decided to do a degree in Illlustration.
I studied in Yorkshire, England where I'm originally from.
Once I graduated I did a lot of magazine illustration and freelance design.
I also went through a phase of selling hand-painted glass.
In 2008 I ventured into licensing art.
I launched my website in October 2008 and my business grew from there.
My first really exciting job was having children's wall art for Target in 2010.
I exhibited at Surtex for the first time in 2011.
I'm still licensing but I am also selling some of my own pieces in my etsy shop.
Currently I'm also enjoying painting abstracts.
I don't want to just do one thing, I like to create all kinds of art.
I studied in Yorkshire, England where I'm originally from.
Once I graduated I did a lot of magazine illustration and freelance design.
I also went through a phase of selling hand-painted glass.
In 2008 I ventured into licensing art.
I launched my website in October 2008 and my business grew from there.
My first really exciting job was having children's wall art for Target in 2010.
I exhibited at Surtex for the first time in 2011.
I'm still licensing but I am also selling some of my own pieces in my etsy shop.
Currently I'm also enjoying painting abstracts.
I don't want to just do one thing, I like to create all kinds of art.
2. What books/ magazines are currently on your coffee table?
A couple of my favorites are Uppercase Magazine, Print & Pattern, Moyo, Creative Lettering.
I want to read the 'The Big Leap'
I want to read the 'The Big Leap'
3. Who is your design hero and what inspires you?
I just can't get enought of abstract, it inspires my soul.
I admire so many different artists for different reasons.
From children's books to abstract.
I also appreciate the works of Klee and Chagal, they've been an inspiration to my painting. I also love European style illustration.
I admire so many different artists for different reasons.
From children's books to abstract.
I also appreciate the works of Klee and Chagal, they've been an inspiration to my painting. I also love European style illustration.
4. Where do you work?
Describe your studio/work area...
I work from home, I have a studio in my house, it's a room with lots of light and space.
I work on a mac and wacom tablet.
I acutally paint in my garage, it's always a big mess but my husband doesn't mind at all.
I do have a dream studio in mind that I would like to have one of these days.
I work on a mac and wacom tablet.
I acutally paint in my garage, it's always a big mess but my husband doesn't mind at all.
I do have a dream studio in mind that I would like to have one of these days.
5. What art do you have on your wall?
All of my abstracts, they're everywhere.
My son has my Target Stores wall art.
My son has my Target Stores wall art.
6. In three words, describe your work...
Happy, colorful and intuitive.
7. What makes you laugh?
I love Melissa McCarthy, she's hilarious.
British comedy and humour.
Also my husband and kids, we're always messing around.
8. What's your guilty pleasure?
Any type of chocolate, especially English.
9. What are your top three blogs?
10. Whats the most popular item for sale in your shop and also your favourite item?
My shop hasn't been going that long, people love the fabrics.
My favorite is Pretty Poppies Print.
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(all images above are copyright of Lesley Grainger and are taken from Lesleys website or etsy shop)
Thank you Lesley for sharing a little bit of your world with us!
x x x
