August Empress

Nan Lawson is a self-taught illustrator from Los Angeles, I immediately adored her gorgeous illustrative style and cute characters. Nan was kind enough to answer a few questions for August Empress.

Your illustrative style is quite original and quirky, can you share a little about your process?

I start off usually by getting inspired by something, whether it’s something I see in real life, or in a photograph, or on my computer screen. Then, I sketch out my idea roughly. I work digitally, so all of my sketching is done in photoshop. Then, I draw my “ink” lines over my sketch layer. I usually stick to a simple color palette and add textures to my digital coloring to make it feel more organic.

Where is your favourite place to work?

I love working at home. I live in a lovely little apartment with my boyfriend, it has a lot of big windows and gets great light.

Where do you find inspiration for your artwork and quirky characters?

Like I mentioned above I can be inspired by many things. I’ve been drawing a lot of characters from films and television shows lately and that seems to resonate with a lot of people (including myself!)

When did your passion for art begin?

I honestly don’t know when it started, I’ve loved drawing and creating since I was a child, so there isn’t exactly that one moment where I could say it began. I can say it really crystallized when I was working a boring day job and needed a creative outlet for myself and turned to drawing and painting. Now drawing and painting is my day job!

What are the top 3 blogs you love to read?

Wow, I love so many blogs, mostly interior design related ones, ok…

1. SFgirlbybay
2. Design Sponge
3. Decor8

What are the top 3 items on your wishlist to buy?

Definitely the top choice would be a Wacom Cintiq, which I will probably never be able to afford. I really want a faux taxidermy head to hang above my television. Like the ones here. I also need a new floor lamp for my living room, I was thinking something vintage, but similar to a task lamp.

Thanks so much Nan! Be sure to visit Nan’s portfolio, blog and etsy shop for much more great artwork.