Artist of the Week: Lauri Patrick

Posted on August 6, 2014 by admin

When did you first become interested in art?

I have always been interested in art and have been drawing since I can remember, art was always my favourite subject at school.

How would you describe your design style?

My design style focuses on line and detail, with some bright colour thrown in! I love putting intricate detail into my work.

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration definitely has to be flowers, I can’t get enough of them! I love drawing and painting them.

What is your favourite piece in your collection?

My favourite piece in my collection is my Mint flower, the mint green is my favourite colour and I like the vivid pinky red of the carnations as a contrast against it.

Is there any artistic talent in your family?

My granddad was a professional artist who produced oil paintings, he also worked as a set painter on films and television shows.  He was a massive artistic inspiration to me and was extremely encouraging and enthusiastic to see what drawing I had been up to.

What is the journey you take to produce your work?

When I produce a piece of work I like to have what I’m drawing in front of me, I like to draw fresh flowers that I can arrange then sketch out.  I then add colour and finally finish off by adding detail.  After hand drawing my art work I use Photoshop as a design tool to enhance colours and create an all over design.

What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?

When a friend introduced me to Art rookie I though it would be a fantastic opportunity to get my work out there and onto some really amazing products.  I knew I wanted to start doing my own work and I felt this was a great way of getting people interested.

When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?

In my free time I enjoy meeting up with friends, visiting my family and walking my dog Pat.  I also love a good look round a vintage or craft fair.

Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?

I have found it difficult getting my work noticed, at the moment my biggest customers are friends and family, which is great as they’ve been so supportive but it’s hard to make the next step.  I think the only real solution is time and being committed to using social media as a way of getting my work out there.

Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?

Although I am Scottish I have been living in Newcastle upon Tyne for the last few years.  Newcastle is a amazing city to live in, it’s so lively and the people are great. Ouseburn is a great place to have a wander round when I’m in need of some inspiration.

What makes British talent different than elsewhere?

I think what makes british talent different from elsewhere is its uniqueness and individuality, there is a huge range of artist and designers all producing completely different and individual work that aren’t afraid to take risks and try something not seen before.  Also artists and designers have taken advantage of Britain’s high quality art schools which have helped develop there artistic style.

What are your plans for 2014?

In 2014 I plan to keep designing my own greeting cards and expanding my collection of designs, I hope by this time next year to be exhibiting and selling my work at craft fairs.

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Artist of the Week: Jenny Kadis

Posted on July 28, 2014 by admin

When did you first become interested in art?

I’ve always had an interest in the arts – as a child I was always doodling and painting and pestering my poor Mum to help me to knit / sew / weave carpets (?!!)  Drawing has always been there for me, (I get withdrawal symptoms if I’ve gone too long without sketching), and it’s something that I’ve always returned to doing whatever else has been happening in my life!

How would you describe your design style?

I would say that my design style is a little quirky, but bold – I like to combine my pencil drawings with lots of acrylic paint splodges and sometimes collage.

What inspires you?

As you can probably tell from my range at Art Rookie, I am very much inspired by nature – in particular birds!  I live in a semi-rural town which gives me opportunity to spot lots of wildlife…

What is your favourite piece in the collection?

I quite like “my darling starlings” as they have a little bit of stroppy attitude going on!!

Is there any artistic talent in your family?

I am very lucky to come from a super creative family – my Mum and sister are both amazingly talented and artistic.  My Mum creates wonderful textile pieces and my sister works within the arts industry.

What is the journey you take to produce your work?

When I’m creating some work for sale as prints I’ll first have a think about the general atmosphere or theme that I want the piece to have – quite often this might be seasonal or related to the weather (summery or autumnal).  Then I find some reference materials from the ridiculous amount of books that are around the house and start sketching. Everything is scanned and then I compose and add extra colour in digitally.

What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?

Art Rookie seems really fresh and new!  I love that there is a site dedicated to emerging British talent.  There are some really amazing artists involved with exciting work.  Also, I LOVE that my work gets to go on plates – fantastic!

When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?

Ha! Excellent question! My life is pretty full!! I have two lovely, crazy boys who take up every other available minute so I do all my creating when they’re at school and when they’re asleep.  I do like running though, and managed to run my first marathon last October!

Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?

Yep, it’s a big struggle to get work noticed – there are so many talented people out there – which is why sites like Art Rookie are so helpful in providing a platform for new designers.

Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?

In bed, shattered!! See question 8 :)

What makes British talent different than elsewhere?

I think that in Britain we really excel at the quirky and seem to have quite a unique take on life…

What are your plans for 2014?

Well, I’m in the middle of putting together another collection of work which is coming together nicely…and there are plans for an exhibition sometime soon :)

 

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Artist of the Week: House of Jennifer

Posted on July 18, 2014 by admin

When did you first become interested in art?

Very early, I remember using my Nana’s watercolours to paint desert sunsets when I was about nine.

How would you describe your design style?

Contemporary juxtaposed abstractions in vibrant colours.

What inspires you?

Just about everything, I love fashion so I adapt a lot of my colour pallets from runway shows.

What is your favourite piece in your collection?

This week I’m loving BLUE+GREY and Geometric No.12 and No.14.

Is there any artistic talent in your family?

My maternal grandmother is a watercolour artist, my father is a nautical engineer/architect, and one of my cousins just wrote a book, and another cousin works as a menswear designer at Next.

What is the journey you take to produce your work?

I develop them very organically, whatever happens is meant to be, so I try not to fight it too much. I start with the line work and go through about seven colour combos before I commit to one. I often do the same “pattern” in other colour variations and I like to create things that could be paired together.

What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?

Art Rookie has a great selection of different printed products, and I’m addicted to the teacups and plates.

When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?

I love to play the flute, look at pictures of kittens on Instagram, visit museums and travel. If you don’t learn something new each day, it’s a day wasted.

Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?

These days there are so many platforms to promote your own work and get noticed. I join as many art on demand websites as possible, and I promote my work on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Wanelo etc. It’s frustrating sometimes because I know my prints would work well on certain sites, but I can’t get onto them because they’re full up on requests. Yet, life isn’t a walk through an open field!

What makes British talent different than elsewhere?

Britain and the Commonwealth have excellent access to art programs and materials. We have a really diverse range of different themes, styles and mediums.

What are your plans for 2014?

I’m looking into relocating to Montreal, and trying my luck in the textile industry. I just printed a few things onto some summer dresses, and they look sensational. So that’s something I’d really love to explore.

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Artist of the Week: Vicky Woodgate

Posted on July 4, 2014 by admin

When did you first become interested in art?
About 5 years old, I would draw and draw for hours.
How would you describe your design style?
Strong design sense with influence from 1960′s Bunty Annuals, with a love of old Ladybird books.
What inspires you?
A sunny day, a coffee followed by a chat/ brainstorm with my fellow studio buddies.
What is your favourite piece in your collection? I think Kittenthead, it’s based on a kitten in Morocco who was rescued, the image was part of a project for a charity to help the street cats over there.
Is there any artistic talent in your family?
My brother is also an illustrator and my other brother is in the print and design trade, l also have some extended family in advertising, publishing and fine art.
What is the journey you take to produce your work?
I mull over it for a while, sketch and jot a few ideas down. I then draw on my computer with a Wacom tablet and go from there.
What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?
I like the idea of celebrating British design and products.
When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?
Walking, eating ice-cream by the sea, smoothing my cats and checking the latest flick.
Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?
Of course, it’s a competitive business that has become more saturated with the internet and with globalisation. We now compete with not just the talent on our shores but from everywhere else too.
Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?
Hove lawns. ( Eating that ice-cream if its sunny)
What makes British talent different than elsewhere?
Anything goes! I don’t think there is a look like in other countries, there has always been a strong sense of design in the UK which has punched above its weight on the world stage.
What are your plans for 2014?
Keep drawing, keep creating and keep moving with the times.

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Posted on June 24, 2014 by admin

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Artist of the Week: Sharon Turner

Posted on June 24, 2014 by admin
When did you first become interested in art?
I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember! Mum and dad still have stacks of my kidlet artwork somewhere. It’s always been a way for me to relax ~ it really is great therapy!
How would you describe your design style?
Kookie, crazy, eclectic, fun… I do have a certain style, but I label it ‘scrummy’ lol. I love colour, nature, pattern. Stuff you want to have in your space.
What inspires you?
I get inspiration from everything all the time! I think it’s true of all artists…. you just never ‘turn off’. I’m really drawn to colour and great pattern work.
What is your favourite piece in your collection?
My fave is usually my latest! But I do have a real soft spot for my Tiger Chief. He’s so chilled and wise. I love him.
Is there any artistic talent in your family?
Mum is an awesome knitter and my dad is a painter and decorator! My 14 year old daughter has a textile design exhibited in a museum in America right now, and my 11 year old son has a school art project exhibited in the National Gallery! I think it’s safe to say there are some arty genes floating about.
What is the journey you take to produce your work?
It really depends on the design, but I’d say the majority of my work starts with paper and pen. I’m a bit old school. I scan my art, then digitally clean up and colour on the computer. It can take a really long time, as I generally make seamless repeats for my designs for use on fabrics.
What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?
Well I had a lovely email…. checked you guys out, and woah. Loved the site and most definitely wanted to be a part of it.
When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?
I’m a total night owl so sleeping comes fairly high on that list! I love going out and about with the family. Living in Nottingham, the seaside is a real treat. We try and get down to Cornwall as often as we can.
Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?
Goes without saying! There are stacks of talented peeps out there. But I’m doing what I love and my art is getting out there. S’all good.
Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?
Nottingham mostly. But my fave places to be are Falmouth, Norfolk (where my folks are), York and anywhere that I can dip my toes in for a paddle.
What makes British talent different than elsewhere?
I’m not entirely sure that it does! I’ve been doing my textile and pattern designing for 4 years now, and have so many designer friends around the world. Having said that, a lot of UK companies that approach me for commission work really want home grown artists. So I think Art Rookie is fantastic for giving British artists a special place to be.
What are your plans for 2014?
Win the lottery. Move to Falmouth. Become a worldwide renowned artist / designer and become acquainted with Tom Riley and Andrew Scott. Failing all of that…. Same old same old. All the hard work is paying off. I love my job!

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Artist of the Week: Ria Hurley

Posted on June 18, 2014 by admin

When did you first become interested in art?

I have always been interested in art, I have never been very academic and left that to my brother and sister- I have always been interested in being creative- through fashion, design, illustration, painting, furniture restoration- anything that just allows you to have fun.

How would you describe your design style?

I would say that it contains modern and contemporary aspects with a pinch of abstract.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by other peoples talent- it provokes me to find creativity within myself.

What is your favourite piece in your collection?

My favourite piece in my art rook collection would probably be ‘Tyrex’ or ‘Monochrome Tiger’ – I like them because they are original and quirky and I believe that the design is modern and would appeal to a large market or teens and adults.

Is there any artistic talent in your family?

My mother is whom I get my creativity from, she is a bridal gown designer and maker- although, I did not inherit her keen eye, patience and attention to detail, which is required for sewing.

What is the journey you take to produce your work?

My design journey is quite erratic to be honest- I think as I work- I don’t tend to plan too far ahead in regards to designing my next pieces- It like a snow ball effect- once I get one idea going they all seem to come at once and I just work with it changing the design if the first idea doesn’t work- I do envy artist that use patience and intricacy in their work and design process, although I don’t believe that my technique holds me back- but instead allows me to just enjoy my self completely whilst designing.

What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?

As soon as I found out about Art Rookie I thought it would be a great opportunity to show case my work as a new designer- it allows you to put your work out there without too many risks of repercussions of failure- Its great for me as a new designer.

When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?

I will always try everything once. I like to be active and go surfing and recently participated in a charity event of 12 mile course with 30 obstacles to over come on the way.

Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?

I am a recent graduate of The University of Plymouth and a new artist and designer on the scene- I am trying to build up my art and design portfolio and get my name out there.

Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?

You would probably find me hanging out at the beach in the summer or with my sister and family at a family BBQ, or chilling with my boyfriend at the cinema.

What makes British talent different than elsewhere?

Brits talent I think is effective as a communication forms- The British tend to be quite reserved in general day to day life and I believe art strips all of that away and there cannot be any reservation in art.

What are your plans for 2014?

My plans for 2014 are to grow as a artist and designer and not be afraid to take risks. Also to visits my mum in Northern Cyprus when she moves there in July and soak up some of the sun and get some design inspiration.


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Artist of the Week: Stephen Brown

Posted on June 12, 2014 by admin

When did you first become interested in art?

As a child I was always drawing, borrowing my mum’s art materials. And looking through all her art books and her illustrated fairy tale books. I have always grown up around pictures of art, hanging on the wall mainly the Pre-Raphaelite’s.

How would you describe your design style?

Surrealism and symbolism play feature in my work, because I like to create images are that are little out of the box and different.

What inspires you?

My mum’s drawings and paintings have inspired me the most. But the artist’s and illustrators that I admire are James Jean, Drew Struzan, Sam Weber, Walkuski Wieslaw and Arthur Rackham.

What is your favourite piece in your collection?

I have two my Broken (screaming spaceman) and my Boneyard Butterfly (skull winged butterfly) mainly because I discovered new ways of working during creating these images.

Is there any artistic talent in your family?

Yes my brothers and my sister are also artistic as well.

What is the journey you take to produce your work?

As a mixed media artist my work starts off as a traditional pencil drawing or watercolour painting, which I scan into the computer and finish off in Photoshop. Mainly adding or changing the colour of the original artwork. I like working like this because there are some things the computer can’t mimic like pencil or paint marks because I think it looks too perfect and too clean. But the computer makes doing certain things easier.

What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?

I was invited to look at the site and I wanted to become a member straight away, as it was inspirational.

When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?

Mainly playing my guitar and my retro video games, which I have had since I was a kid.

Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?

It’s very hard at the beginning to get work seen by the right people but someone somewhere will like your work. Also it does take time for you to get noticed.

Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?

Mainly in Manchester’s Northern Quarter because all the best watering holes are there.

What makes British talent different than elsewhere?

This question is a bit of a puzzle for me to answer because my work is favoured more in the USA than the UK.

What are your plans for 2014?

Creating new illustrations and to get more of my work out there and seen by a wider audience, and I would like to learn how to paint in oils.


 

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Shop Art Rookie for unique Fathers Day gift ideas!

Posted on June 5, 2014 by admin

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Artist of the Week: Sara Taghdimi

Posted on June 4, 2014 by admin


When did you first become interested in art?

I loved the illustrated children’s books that my mother read to me before I learned to read. I had so many of them and always wanted more. While enjoying doodling and experimenting with colours like most of the kids, I was fascinated by storytelling and creating characters. When I was six, I wrote a simple story with a few characters that I painted and cut out of paper, and staged a small puppet show for my family.

How would you describe your design style?

I describe my work mainly as experimental illustration and graphic design, with a tendency to limited use of colours and forms. I also do experiments in printmaking, particularly linocut and screen-printing.

What inspires you?

I get inspiration of almost everything, but main sources are my surroundings, literature, fairy tales and folk stories. Seeing the work of other artists is equally important.

What is your favourite piece in your collection?

My favourite piece at the moment is the Monster, which is part of an on- going illustration project about a monsters family.

Is there any artistic talent in your family?

My sister is a fine artist and make up designer.

What is the journey you take to produce your work?

I usually have a sketchbook with me anywhere I go to keep a quick sketch of an idea or an interesting thing I see that might come handy later. Once I get the initial idea, I start sketching and develop them by experimenting with different materials to decide on the final medium of the project. I usually use ink, marker and gouache paint in my illustrations.

What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?

When I was invited to join Art Rookie, I checked the website and read about it. I was very interested with the objectives, the creative and lively environment of the business, and particularly liked that it’s created by two artists who have experienced the challenges of the art world themselves. Therefore, I thought it is a great platform to expose my work, as well as getting to know the works of other creative artists and designers.

When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy reading, baking and cycling.

Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?

London is a great place for artists and designers with loads of opportunities to get involved and show their work, and for the same reason, it is also very competitive. I experienced the same challenges that most of art graduates do after finishing university. I co-founded an illustration collective while doing my MA, and that helped a lot in contacting different places and getting projects. But it is still challenging to be established as an independent designer.

Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?

I live in East London and usually hang out there. I also enjoy going to Broadway Market and love reading a book in Victoria Park when it is sunny!

What makes British talent different than elsewhere?

I think what make British Art different from other places are the social and cultural characteristics, which form Britain today; from the unique landscapes of Britain, to the Royal art, art of war periods, to the sensation generation and the contemporary art today, I think one of the main features of British Art, is its diversity in forms and approaches that it takes to represent itself.

What are your plans for 2014?

My main plan for 2014 is to develop my career as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, progressing with several on-going projects, as well as starting new collaborative projects with a few London-based musicians. I will also have projects with Hurdy Gurdy Collective that runs creative events and workshops for museums in the UK.

Find all of Sara’s work here: http://www.artrookie.co.uk/SaraTaghdimi


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