Sally Payne is a UK based freelance illustrator and print designer.
Using a range of mixed media techniques such as collage, line drawings and digital, she creates beautiful artworks, predominantly for the children's market.
Sally has only recently opened an etsy shop selling her lovely designs as art prints and digital downloads but with the items for sale so far and with more being added soon, it promises to be very lovely indeed.
Go and have a little nosey here.
And for now, lets get to know Sally a little better...
1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...
I have always loved being creative, I can remember as far back as Primary school loving anything art related.
I studied Textiles at University and focused on printed textile design.
After leaving University I was lucky to be taken on freelance by a studio and started my design career from there.
I also trained as a teacher and still teach Graphic Design now part time.
The balance of the two jobs is nice, however I also have 2 small children so my life is anything but quiet, I'm constantly multi tasking!
I am currently designing for the children's apparel market which is great, I also take on commission work which varies from cards, web design and illustration.
2. What books/ magazines have you recently bought that you’re loving?
I love books, I have all the print pattern books and I'm very excited to say I'm going to feature in the new book!
I also love making things so have tonnes of craft books, in the hope one day I'll get around to making again!
3. Obviously your etsy shop has only just recently opened featuring lots of art prints. What other loveliness can we look forward to seeing for sale in your shop in the future?
I would love to sell some of my original collages, my favourite media is working with paper, my paper animal creatures always seem to get such a lovely response.
4. Who are your favourite illustrators/ designers and what inspires you?
I have so many - I love Jane Ormes, her prints are great.
I come across designers so frequently on Instagram, particular favourites are Lorna Scobie, Lizzie Mackay, Studio Lillaform and Rosie Harbottle.
So many things inspire me, books, visits out, pinterest, I try my best to update my blog frequently and aim to do work just for me every few days as quite often it leads to ideas for my freelance work.
5. Tell us about a typical day for you...
It starts by getting my children up and ready for school, get home, clear up, make a cup of tea, sit at my desk, work through my daily to do list, pick the children up -
make dinner, put the children to bed then normally I work in the evening, I find I'm very creative at night even though generally very tired!! What a glamourous life I lead...!
6. What are your top three blogs?
Print Pattern
Pop i cok - Dawn Machell
Jane Foster
7. Your days are spent freelancing as a surface pattern designer.
Who would be your dream client and what kind of products would you love to see your designs on?
A dream client has to be Paperchase - obvious I know but I love everything they do.
A huge dream would be to illustrate a children's book - I think that would have to be the best job ever...
8. Best things in life…
1. My family
2. My cat
3. My Mac - couldn't live without it!
4. Sunshine
5. Holidays
9. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?
My approach is very varied dependent on the brief or style of work I'm doing.
I normally start with hand drawn sketches or paper based collages, scan them in and edit digitally.
I like to try new things so I'm always experimenting with new approaches and techniques. My blog is a great place for me to just do what ever inspires me - I love the freedom it gives me.
10. What art do you have on your wall?
A real mix - some of my prints, Jane Ormes and Jane Foster screen prints, new graduate work which I try to buy when I visit the degree shows, my children's drawings, Amy Blackwell paintings - all sorts!
11. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a surface pattern designer?
I can honestly say the most rewarding aspect of my job is that I love what I do, which I think is a huge privilege. Also great when you spot your work in the shops!
12. Whats your favourite book from your childhood?
Not sure I can remember!
I love all of Richard Scarry's books and probably any of Roahl Dahl's books.
Thanks to Sally for taking some time out to be part of the etsy interviews!
You can follow Sally here...
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