love print studio blog

Saturday, 29 October 2016

This & that...

It's Halloween weekend!

Here are a couple of 'spooktacular' themed images for todays This & That post...

This...selection of halloween macarons

That... little gathering of scary, yet cute painted pumpkins

x x x

Etsy shop find...a chat with Katie Wilson!

This months etsy interview is with Katie Wilson whose shop 'In my backyard' is full of yummy artworks for you to purchase as art prints, cards, handprinted fabrics and even downloadable files.

Katie is an illustrator based in New Zealand and finds a lot of her inspiration in nature, and this shows in her whimsical illustrations where you can find beautiful birds, leaping rabbits, flowers and butterflies.

So, lets get to know a bit about her shall we....

Grab your cuppa!

1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...

I studied graphic design and illustration at Christchurch Polytechnic in New Zealand.

I worked for a few years as a graphic designer, and then worked in museums for a bit.

I finally returned to illustration about three years ago, slowly building my portfolio and developing my illustration style whilst cutting down the hours I worked at my day job.

I managed to go full time last year - and I haven’t looked back!

2. What books/ magazines are you currently reading/browsing?

I always love looking at Uppercase Magazine, Frankie and ExtraCurricular.

As for books, I’ve just finished reading The Luminaries by by Eleanor Catton.

It is set in Hokitika - a gold rush town on the west coast of New Zealand back in the 1860s. I totally recommend it.

3. Who are your design heroes and what inspires you?

My top three art and design heroes are Cy Twombly, William Morris and Aubrey Beardsley.

I’m inspired by the outside world and need to get out into nature on a regular basis.

4. Tell us about a typical day for you…

I generally get up early, around 6 and start work.

It is my most productive time, so I try and make the most of it. I paint and draw for a few hours, and then often potter around in my veggie garden for a bit.

Then it is back to work.

I stop for snacks and to take the dog for a walk.

If I have lots of client work on I sometimes work late into the night, but I try not to do that too often.

5. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?

Lots of my ideas come from doodling in my sketchbook and I try to set aside time everyday for working on personal work.

I often sketch rough ideas out and choose one or two to take to finished art.

I sometimes draw something over and over until I am happy with it.

6. When did you open your etsy shop and how did you decide on the name ‘In my backyard’?

I’ve had an Etsy shop on and off since 2006.

I used to make screen printed fabric, scarves and accessories but for a couple of years now I have focussed on selling prints and other illustrated goodies.

I chose the name In my backyard as this is where I find most of the inspiration for the things I make.

7. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a designer/illustrator?

Great feedback from clients and happy customers.

8. Do you have a favourite book/s from your childhood?

Wind in the Willows and A Secret Garden are two of my favourites

9. Whats your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate! And coffee.

10. Where do you work? Describe your studio/work area...

I work from home and share a workspace with my partner.

He gets a small corner of the room and I have my paints, sketchbooks, packing supplies and stock spread out all over the rest of it!

11. What makes you laugh?

My partner and my animals. They are all very silly!

12. What’s the most popular item for sale in your etsy shop? And your personal favourite?

My Indigo Birds print is probably the most popular, followed by Run Rabbit. My personal favourite is my Neighbourhood print, and also my Village notepads.

You can follow Katies goings on on various social media here...

Thanks to Katie for sharing her world with us!

x x x

Take Four...crafty pumpkins!

It's Halloween very soon and there have been lots of lovely ideas for crafting with pumpkins doing the rounds on pinterest.

Here are a few of my favourites...

Pastel pumpkin balloons (top left)

DIY Pun-kins (top right)

DIY marbled pumpkins (bottom right)

Yarn covered pumpkins (bottom left)

(image credits clockwise from top left)

x x x

Monday moodboard...Autumn days

I love autumn and everything it brings with it.

There's something about those darker, cozy nights...fire on, snuggly socks and jumpers and chilly walks with the boys surrounded by ombre leaves, followed by a big bowl of tomato soup and crusty bread to warm up..mmmm