Prioritising process rather than a perfect outcome makes the work of this newly graduated illustrator all the more beguiling, especially as she starts translating her dynamic style into 3D experiments.
A lot of your work is quite funny. How do you develop humour in your illustrations?
Humour often creeps into my work unintentionally. I’m a big fan of puns and wordplay, which often steers my idea process and thinking to more playful notions. The humour doesn’t always make it to the other side of the idea, but I try to convey a positive happy outlook in my work.
What’s your favourite medium?
I have realised that sometimes there is nothing better than coloured pencils. Whenever I need a good dose of colour, they have a comfortable nostalgic quality that is, more often than not, just right.
Tell us about something that you’re currently working on.
I’m enjoying making more 3D things at the moment and getting more hands-on with creating. My musician friend Philippe Nash has an album launch coming up entitled Pelican Love and so I’ve been building some fantastical kites for him, which will hopefully soar through a sunshine-filledsky someday soon.
What extra challenges have you found working in 3D?
There is usually at least one technical surprise to solve each 3D project; it’s great to make the brain cells work harder sometimes. My main challenge comes after the making, in how to best film or photograph the work, as this will normally require a rather patient friend to lend a hand. I have had some amazing ‘fails’ when trying to document my work alone – I’ve ended up with blurred footage and lots of shots of me looking confused.
What would be your dream project?
I would love to see my drawings fill a book; so working with a publishing house would be a future dream project. For now though, I’m happier staying in reality and finding out how I work best.
Describe your approach in three words.
Trying things out.
What does 2014 hold?
This is really the first year that I have relinquished the title of student, which is terrifyingly exciting. I feel a freedom to decide what I want to do and work on from here on in. I’m really excited by trying out new things and seeing how my style develops. So far I’ve been interning with the brilliant illustrator Camille Rousseau, and my best friend and I are currently delivering art workshops and trying to work out how that could become a shared practice. Also, I have my own plans – watch this space.
