August Empress

I came across this illustration on Pinterest created by artist kiwiTACHAN and immediately thought ‘that’s me’. I often replay past and future conversations in my head, wondering if I should or shouldn’t have said something, or imagining scenarios that never eventuate. Even when I’m designing I will spend too much time on the smallest detail while trying to get inside the head of a client, over time I am learning to try and go with my gut. I’m sure many of you can relate to the illustration too, and while you are overthinking your overthinking, here’s a little timelapse video of how the colourful ‘head explosion’ was created.

Above is just a small example of all the amzing patterns created by Ashley Goldberg, I love the hand made feel of paint stroked and pencil lines, the rawness and feminine colour palettes.

You can check out Ashley’s Flickr and blog for more pattern goodness as well as paintings and illustrations. She also has some of her illustrative prints on sale in her Etsy shop.

The two photos above have been sitting in my home decor inspiration folder for a while now, and I’m sure you can see why. They both feature the artwork of Harland Miller who is well known for his large-scale penguin classics-inspired paintings, each with their own quirky title. I am completely jealous of Courtney Cox and her enormous authentic painting. I’m convinced I need a giant penguin book cover in my life/home and may just have to try and paint one myself.

Here’s a few more paintings created by Miller, you can view more of this work on his website.

Images: Time Magazine / Elle Decor / Harland Miller

By no means do I consider myself a painter or illustrator, I simply enjoy playing around with watercolours and sketching, as well as creating little elements for designs occasionally. I came across The Sketchbook Project last year and knew I wanted to get involved this year, and it would be a good opportunity to experiment with the new Peerless Transparent Watercolours I bought recently.

The colours of the tube based watercolours I had been using seemed much too dull, especially after scanning the artwork. The Peerless set have the most vibrant colours, and because there are so many colour chips I don’t need to worry about mixing any together to create something quickly. They really are super vibrant!

So I decided that for the project I’d focus on florals and nature inspired imagery, I’ll need to do at least one or two a week to get the sketchbook finished and sent back in time. Here’s the first two entries.

There’s nothing like a bold large print to make an impact in any room, here’s a few great pieces:

1. Blame it on the Weatherman by YOKE
2. Original Pantone® Letraset Poster from Out of Prints
3. Six and One by Littleprintpress
4. Regal by Made an Dye from Air Monkey
5. The History of My. Polly by Catherine Askew
6. Hand Drawn Map of London by Evermade
7. Tree of Life from Degree
8. Print Shop Union from Limited Works

Check out Poolga for a great source of wallpapers for your iPhone, iPad or iTouch. They feature the artwork of over 200 illustrators and designers, in every style and medium you can imagine.

Allison Langton is the talented lady behind Big Print Little. A Melbourne based textile designer and illustrator, her work includes beautiful floral artwork, adorable editorial illustrations as well as many colourful textile collections. Allison’s blog features these lovely photos of the view from her desk creating the Flower of the Month for Australian House & Garden magazine.

The blog also features some gorgeous pressed flower collections of  ‘Langton’s Herbarium’.

I also love this colour swatch collection.

So be sure to take a look over at Big Print Little for lots of visual goodness from Allison, it’s so wonderful to come across yet another talented Australian illustrator and designer.

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.