Where do you draw inspiration from?
As a proud Wiradjuri woman my Aboriginality and Mob inspire me. Working in the Legal area supporting Aboriginal women experiencing family violence also inspired me to create my business, to give strength and visibility of Mob through art.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
I think my dream collab would have to be with Aborginal Artist, Jandamarra Cadd or Tahlia Stanton!
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
Yes! I had Brooke Blurton reshare one of my artworks on social media and Barkaa has consistently supported me as well! It was so cool seeing a pic of her with one of my Aunty Cups. I'd love my art to be hung in either Rihanna or Banksy's house.
Where would you like to see you and your art in 5 years time?
I would love for my art to be showcased in galleries (instead of my little apartment) and overseas!
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Either fishing with my partner or watching Married at First Sight.
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
@honeiee @jandamarrasart @KYKOE @KamaraMorganArt @AlkinasCreations @tahliastanton @emilywurramarra @awakening_arts_lupe @goldcoastgrace @gamminthreads @hausofdizzy AND OF COURSE @k.rae.designs
(oh shucks! haha thanks girl!)
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Create consistently, don’t compare yourself to others everyone is running their own race.
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Brandi for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. It's been so great learning more about you!
Want to see more of Brandi's awesome work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @brandisalmon.artist
Website: https://brandisalmonart.com.au
Today we are chatting with the everso beautiful Octavia Tomyn *cue immediate swoon*
Octavia is one TALENTED artist who's work explores the complex and intimate relationships, connections and emotions of humans, capturing these through the simplicity and moment of a bare lineI really couldn't have said it better myself. Octavia's work is just magical and I have such a calming feeling come over me when I see her art pop up on my feed. She's one of the NICEST women on this planet and I'm so dang excited for you to hear from her today. Sit back with a nice glass of red and enjoy!
Hey lovely, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
I am an ex fashion designer who has become a professional artist and I am based in Melbourne. I am also a Christian, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I have two young girls whom I adore and who keep me extremely busy on top of running a small business! I am an extrovert, foodie, city girl who loves dressing up and staying busy.
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
This is one of two full time jobs I run simultaneously. I am a full time stay at home mum to one grade one girl and one kinder girl. Previously I worked in the fashion industry as a designer but have not returned since having kids. Being a professional artist gives me full creative control and flexibility. It's a dream come true really!
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
Gouache and acrylic paints for my painted works and ink for my line drawings. Mostly on cotton paper but I also use canvas occasionally.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
RELATIONAL
PURE
HOPEFUL
What do you LOVE most about your art?
The opportunity it allows me to meet people and hear their stories, then having the honour of turning that inspiration into a personal piece of art that celebrates what is most important to them.
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
I've created various pieces for hotels and restaurants and I'd love to be flown to some exotic location to create unique pieces onsite. That's probably the result of spending 270+ days in lockdown here in Melbourne. I'm desperate to get back into the world!
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
I'm shocking with celebs! I was once posing on Mark Webber's F1 car at a Grand Prix Ball which I had designed a gown for, when he offered to jump in the photo, I had no idea who he was and asked him to take the photo of my model and I instead and we kept posing! But back to art, I know that Super-Influencer and fashion guru Blair Eadie recently purchased some work and shared it on her instagram and I have done a lot of work for some high profile doctors around the world. But I could easily be missing someone, I try not to get too caught up in the status of collectors and like to treat everyone equally with respect and love.
Where would you like to see you and your art in 5 years time?
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Get into it. Now! Don’t wait for anything. These things always start as a side hustle so just get creating and see where it takes you. Even if it’s not very good to begin with, keep creating and you will get better. When you share your work you can use the feedback to hone your skill. Social media is an incredible, free opportunity to share your creativity with the world. Engage with an audience, mentors and peers. Connect with them. Listen to them. It’s scary sharing part of yourself in this way, but if you are honest and authentic, you will find people are very encouraging and gravitate to your originality.
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Octavia for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. It's been awesome learning more about you!
Want to see more of Octavia's gorgeous work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @octavia_tomyn_art
Website: https://www.octaviatomyn.com
Hey lovely, tell us a little bit about yourself!
Where are you based? What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
I work primarily in acrylic paint, I mainly use Mont Marte and Dulux paint. But I also use wax crayons, fine liners and occasionally oil pastels to add details.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
BRIGHT
QUIRKY
ICONIC
What do you LOVE most about your art?
I love how colourful the pieces are, and that because the pieces are abstract, no two people will interpret them the same. I also love how recognisable they are. That people can look at them and go "that's a Jacklyn Foster original!".
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Oooft, can I name a few? Winning the "Emerging Artist Awards 2021" at Fortyfivedownstairs gallery in Melbourne. I did a painting of a happy meal box called "We Have Food at Home". It was my first ever still life artwork and it kicked off my love of creating still life.
And then a close second was painting the statue for the Royal Children's Hospital 150th Anniversary, my Uoo Uoo "Art Can Change Your World" was auctioned off for $11,000 which went to the hospital, but, one of the best bits was where it was placed in the Queen Victoria Gardens, right across from the NGV, and people I didn't even know, who followed me would go visit it and send me photos.
That was definitely right up there in my "I've made it moments".... ok one more, when I first got recognised, by a drunk lady at a wedding we were at (she was a hoot and she loved my work), my husband was dumbfounded watching the encounter occur, it was pretty funny, but also one of the best moments. I get recognised more frequently now, but I will never forget that first time.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Life, I know that sounds very cliche, but from what is going on around me, and how I am feeling at the time. During 2021, my pieces were heavily influenced by how much I was missing my friends and family. A lot of the work revolved around the ceremonies and rituals we have in spending time together. Living in VIC during the pandemic was really tough, it will be interesting to see how this evolves now we are no longer in isolation and constant lockdowns.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
My absolute dream collaboration would be to have my artwork on Dr Martens. My followers know my love for my Doc's. I have the sandals for summers so I can basically wear Doc's year round.
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
My mind has gone blank, so big sorry to any celebrities I have worked with but have forgotten. My dream celeb that would have my art in their house is Noel Fielding, actually, I would love to create an artwork with him! That would be a lot of fun, or Matt Lucas, ok now I'm just naming British Bake Off hosts.
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
I love playing soccer, running, reading, seeing my friends and family, and going out for dinner. I'm such an extrovert and working on my own a lot can be lonely! Also anything related to my dog Ruby, she is the best thing to walk this earth.
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
Brian Donnelly, aka KAWS @kaws they are my ultimate art inspiration, their exhibition at the National Gallery for Victoria, really stuck with me. Their incredible acrylic use and seeing people flooding to the exhibition is such a dream. I still regret not buying the coffee table book for KAWS when I was there.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Give it a go. Just give it a crack, whatever that niggly feeling is that you want to start to pursue, just start somewhere. Baby steps are what take you places, whether it be starting a social media page for it, going to markets, buying the supplies you need. Just start. And my motto for when I try something new, or go out on a limb and take a risk is "Could be great, could be awful" it could work out better than you ever imagined, or it could go wrong and be awful. BUT focus on how it could work out, what could go right, and how could it be better than you ever imagined. You won't know until you try.
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Jacklyn for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. It's been amazing learning more about you!
Want to see more of Jacklyn's work? Check her out below:
Instagram:@jacklynfosterart
Website: https://www.jacklynfosterart.com
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Are you a creative? Would you like to be featured? Email me with the subject line "Behind The Brush Application" at kraedesigns91@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!
Big Love,
Kim
Liam - the man, the myth, the legend of Luna Tunes sat down with me and chatted all things art. Creative, painter, digital designer, head artist for House of Darwin, husband, father - this man does it all.
So kick your feet back and enjoy hearing from Liam as he shares all things Luna Tunes!
Hey mate, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
I also work at AIME 4 days a week from home ~ my job title is Resident Artist which is nice. AIME is a special place to work. Rest of my art time is on my own stuff.
I’ve always like having another job to sort of switch to different parts of the brain. I’m lucky to have mostly liked all my jobs - I was a dishwasher, a pool man, a burger flipper, a kids art teacher - there are some days when I miss all those jobs - and some days I don’t.
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
Used to always be ink on paper but now probably paint on wood or found objects, sheets, clothes, random items. Plus I do a lot of digital now for specific parts of my work.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
ALWAYS
ZERO
NOW
What do you LOVE most about your art?
When I’m fully in it making it - maybe the sun is rising - music is on - hot coffee. Joy.
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Everything - Nature, family, music, other artists, fashion, Anger, Love, Science, Books, Movies … yeah everything.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
The bigger the worse for me - I’m not into big brands or businesses at all so just the more local the better.
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
Hahaha - The Queen of England has a Luna Tunes hanging in Buckingham Palace. No only joking. Similar to my brands answer I’d personally prefer someone who is not famous to have my art in their place. But it is always a beautiful privilege if anyone wants to hang my art in their place.
Where would you like to see you and your art in 5 years time?
OOOOO good question. I just want to be making art and art that is different to what I do now. I don’t necessarily need to progress or grow or whatever, I just want to keep making honest art that keeps my blood pumping.
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Love this question. With my wife and bubba (although we make art together too), in nature, watering veggies, listening to records, cooking, talking shit with friends, at Preston market, riding my bike, at the pub with my cousins, camping, hiking, raging about the world with my wife.
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
TALK TALK DIE @talktalkdie
RUBY KNIGHT @clithead
GIOVANNA DA SILVA @giovannadasilva__
MAYA IRVING @mayaairving
BARC THE DOG @barcthedog
GHOSTSHRIMP @theghostshrimp
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
You do you. Be honest with yourself. Follow your gut.
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
My Mum, My wife Benny, my bubba (all very famous in my life).
Awwww man, how awesome is this bloke! Thanks sooooo much Liam for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. I love the passion you have for your art and you can see it in everything you do.
Want to see more of Liam's amazing work? Check him out below:
Instagram: @loonatoons
Website: https://www.lunatunes.com.au/index.html
Portrait photograph credit: Kyle Palmer @jackpopperzzz
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TUNE in again very soon...I have a BUNCH of exciting creatives ready to share their stories.
Are you a creative? Would you like to be featured? Email me at kraedesigns91@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you!
Big Love,
Kim
Today on ze blog is the freakin' TALENTED Freda Ghantous. Now, you may wonder why I fell in love with her art work? Just look at her array of pieces and tell me why you think I'm obsessed with her work? Yep...you guessed it...because it's all of RnB royalty babeh! So of course when I found her on the 'gram, I clicked that Follow button immediately.
Over the last couple of months we've grown a friendship and she even sent me one of her Tupac and Biggie prints...which I'm absolutely OBSESSED with!
Before we get into the interview...I thought I'd start with this quote I found from her:
"I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't ever picked up a pencil or brush. I feel blessed that this passion was passed down to me through many generations, and owe my love for art, especially to my dad. Art gives me hope, it gives my life direction and it gives me clarity."
Just beautiful right!?
So I hope you've poured yourself a glass of Gin n Juice...now sit back and enjoy hearing from ma gurl Freda.
Hey lovely, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
At the moment this is a side hustle! I am also a High School teacher - I teach Visual Arts and English.
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
I primarily work with oil paint - I loveee oil paint! I also draw but everything about oil paint excites me! It’s my preferred medium because I love the wet on wet approach and being able to control the paint the way I want.
I recently was gifted an iPad Pro so I’m definitely keen to learn how to go digital. Your work is amazing, giiirl! Teach me your ways!!
Hahaha stop it!
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
Balanced
Musical
Infused
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I’m a 90’s baby and growing up, my sister was always pumping old school RnB so music has always been a big part of my life. I collect books relating to music and art, so I am often inspired by what I read and the music that I listen to.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
What a great question! I would have to say Nike. I’d love to be able to paint on a pair of sneakers! Life goal!
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
I had a few of my pieces liked by Ai Wei Wei who is a contemporary artist and activist! I was pretty pumped - Especially after seeing his work in parallel with Warhol’s at the NGV in Melbourne.
Cole World! Definitely J Cole.... I would just die inside!
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Reading or playing around on Procreate!
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
I have to say create, create, create! Just keep pushing forward despite the challenges. Resilience is vital and growing thick skin is so important. There are always going to be people who want to take from your light but you should never let them! Let your passion ooze out of everything you do. Engage and network with like-minded people as much as possible and get yourself a kick-ass group of people who will support you personally and constructively!
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Freda for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. It's been awesome learning more about you!
Want to see more of Freda's amazing work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @fredaghantous
Website: https://www.fredaghantous.com/
Today we've got one of the most incredible artists I know...Samira! She's the woman behind Ink and Brown Paper and is our first international guests...yippee!! Residing in the state of Nebraska, USA, Samira loves to paint gorgeous women usually surrounded my plants and has a real jungle feel to them. When I found her (yes again on Instagram), I was obsessed from the get go, with her empowering women prints and use of bright colours. Even though we're on different continents, she's been a huge support with my lil biz and when I ever get to the States again...Nebraska will be my the first stop!
Kick off ya shoes, grab a cuppa and enjoy hearing from my Caribbean buddy, Samira.
Hey lovely, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
I've only ever worked as an artist. From briefly selling my art to finance my college tuition (college dropout here) and hustling on the side whilst my short lived career in early childhood education. I got married young and was always momming around the clock and since moving to America I was unable to work for years. However I've always made my way back to creating art.
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
Paint. I love all the things so I experiment a lot. I started with doing my illustrations in watercolor and ink, hence the name ink & brown paper but I've really enjoyed gouache paints. For it's bright saturated finished that works wonderful with the colors and tropical style of my work.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
It's. A. Vibe.
I paint today's modern woman doing mundane things like drinking coffee or lounging with a book. I paint a diverse array of women whilst incorporating a tropical feel with plants/animals. I love that house plants are having a moment because it's my favorite thing to paint.
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspo from everywhere around me but mainly my roots, where I'm from. I'm Latin Caribbean so I love painting colorful patterns and prints, the women I paint are mixed race, the plants are the tropical climate plants from my childhood. My culture is rooted in the colors and subjects I choose to illustrate.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
There is no dream collaboration, I just love working with other strong women focused brands and my dream is to see my work printed/published. A book cover, or package art with my illustrations or designs on em'. I would honestly flip to see my artwork on an item on the shelves of my grocery store or a book store. I could just imagine the excitement.
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
Oh my goodness, I don't know what I'd do to have my art hanging somewhere in a celebs home or space. Do reality stars count? A master chef contestant follows me and shared my work 😄.
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
I'm a mama so it's better to ask what am I not doing 😩. Making dinner, running errands, being my kids chauffeur, my husband's secretary, making appointments, canceling appointments, helping with homework (😳flashbacks to homeschooling for the first time earlier during the pandemic) and always, I mean always, tackling our laundry mountain. The list is truly never ending 😩
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
I'm right there with ya. I've had my art account for a long time ( 😬 2016). I started posting my art because I had just had my second child and it's been a while since I've done art. I was reminded of how much I loved painting but mom life really took over for years. When I started my account I was busy trying to figure out my style and being inconsistent and frankly comparing myself and feeling like a failure. I wasn't confident enough to make prints.
I came up with every excuse in the book to not make my business legitimate. I'd just do a couple commissions here and there. I convinced myself that I'd be overwhelmed, what if my art doesn't sell what if I can't afford inventory. Excuses,excuses and more excuses. My tip would be don't chase trends, be original sis, create what you love and hone your skills. Stay in your lane there's enough space for all of us and don't allow fear to consume you and hold you hostage from chasing your dreams.
You don't have to make leaps and bounds even if it's just baby steps forward as long as you're making moves. This is literally me just giving myself my own advice. I'm my own motivation 😅
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Samira for taking the time out to answer these questions for me. It's been awesome learning more about you!
Want to see more of Samira's work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @inkandbrownpaper
Welcome to the third installment of my latest blog series called
Behind The Brush.
Today I've got the very talented Josh from Soft Nudie Jazz (SNJ) joining me on my virtual couch. I have been a big fan of his work over the last year and have gushed over his recent cafe illustrations. I'm a big foodie and coffee snob, so as soon as I seen he was illustrating local cafes around Brisbane...I was hooked! (Psst...go and find the illustration of the cafe Yolk on his Instagram...it's my favourite).
Grab a bevvie, chill out and enjoy hearing from Mr. Soft Nudie Jazz.
Hey mate, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
This is a bit of a side hustle. Originally, SNJ was just a place to draw, and in some ways it still is, but it would be awesome for it to grow. My actual job is in advertising, and I used to work flippin' burgers while I was in uni.
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
I primarily use Adobe Illustrator and mostly used my laptop trackpad, until recently I borrowed a Wacom tablet, which has made a huge difference! I am hoping to save up soon and get an iPad though, as this seems to be a game changer. I also enjoy painting, however I can be impatient waiting for the paint to dry.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
Soft Nudie Jazz.... haha. But for a real answer, I would say:
Fun
Random
Cartoonish
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I find if I get stuck and need inspiration, I like to scroll through my photos until something stands out that I haven't really noticed and that could work as an illustration. Sometimes, it will be photos I have taken on a holiday of an interesting shop or sign, and other times it's plants, things around the house, or even screenshots of things I have seen on social media.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
So many! I think it would be awesome to collab with Good Pair Days. My brother got me onto this subscription wine service. They have awesome branding and great wine.
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
In terms of celebs, I had the Youtuber Binging with Babish share some fanart I made of him which was awesome! Sam from Ball Park Music has also bought one of my shirts which is super cool. I even get star struck when artists such as yourself comment on my work or the places I draw start to follow me haha.
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Work through the week and weekends will always consist of going to cafes, pubs and most often buying plants.
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Make art that makes you happy and keep trying to learn new skills. I never thought I would be able to make anything close to what I do now without just trying different methods.
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Thanks sooooo much Josh for taking the time out to answer these bad boys.
Want to see more of Josh's work? Check him out below:
Instagram: @softnudiejazz
Website: http://softnudiejazz.bigcartel.com/
Welcome to the second installment of my latest blog series called
Behind The Brush.
Today I'm joined by the absolutely gorgeous Ryhia from Nardurna - a contemporary Aboriginal artist who lives in my home town of Darwin. As most of my guests that will appear here on this series, I connected with Ryhia via Instagram. After she slipped into my DM's about popping her alarm on to buy one of my Check Yo'Self diaries...I stalked her and fell in love instantly with her use of bright colours in her dot paintings. We hit it off from the get go - with loads of stuff in common. Also I loved that fact we could chat about her living 45 minutes out of Darwin city itself and the big trek she has to make just to get paint supplies haha #smalltownlife.
With only knowing Ryhia since the end of May - I consider her as one of my sisters. Always there for a chat, to bounce ideas off and to share our love for margarita's together. Which I can' t wait to have one with her!
So grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy hearing about her booming biz Nardurna.
Hey gurrrrl, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
I’m a Gudanji woman from the Tablelands, I grew up on a cattle station in the Northern Territory (Mum's family) and on the beaches of the Gold Coast (Dad's family). Currently based in Darwin but will be moving to the Sunshine Coast in August.
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
I paint and create digital artworks / branding. I have always been creative.
I decided to move to Melbourne to go to a design college, once finishing my Graphic Communication course I started to freelance graphic design, creating branding for businesses. Long story short I moved back to Darwin to be with family and got stuck thanks to COVID, while in lockdown I started painting for family and friends, once I shared my art on socials I saw that there was a want for my art :)
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
This is my full time job, my previous job I was a National Promotions Manager for a retailer.
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
I primarily use acrylic paint but I LOVE my digital work.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
Contemporary
Bold
Traditional
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
When I was asked to be a part of The Block Shop
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration is from my everyday surroundings, family and my childhood.
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
I would LOVE to do a collaboration with IKEA (Fashion and Homewares)
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
I've recently done a custom for Fely Irvine - she's from Hi-5. That's pretty cool. And I would scream if the Crown Prince of Dubai - Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum or Fazza even liked my art.
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Either cooking, drawing on my iPad, drawing in my sketch book or fishing
Who in the creative world do you look up to? Drop their IG handles so we can stalk them:
@octavia_tomyn_art
@brookgossen
@thelittledrawingroom
@burruguu_art
@k.rae.designs - oh shucks gurrrrl
@_eavesdropper
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
JUST DO IT!
Document, practice and relax
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Hot drink order: Long black
All time fav movie: Step Brothers
Go to ice-cream flavour: Pistachio
1 song you could listen to over and over again: A Thing For Me - Metronomy
Go to alcoholic drink: Maragrita
Favourite conspiracy theory: We didn't really go to the moon
Name a quirk/something weird that you do that makes you, you - (you don't have to explain...just let it out): I say Canadia, pronounced Can-aid-ia
If you could have a dinner party with 3 famous people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Sir David Attenbro, Mr Vincent Lingiari, Albert Einstein
Such awesome answers there Ryhia! Thanks so much for taking some time out to chat with me :)
Also, I think you should know that Nardurna is currently BOOKED out for the rest of the year for commission work. How bloody amazing is that? Props to you gurlfrand! If you want an original - keep an eye out on her socials as she often sells these cute AF swatches. But be quick, they get snatched up in MINUTES!
Want to see more of Ryhia's work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @nardurna
Website: www.nardurna.com
]]>Welcome to my very first blog series called Behind The Brush.
I'll be chatting with a bunch of amazing artists...whether they're digital artists or lovers of strokes of paint on canvas...I'll be showcasing and sharing the talents of some of my favourite creatives around the world.
So let's get this started...first cab off the rank is the everso gorgeous Emily Ingram from emily__ing. I started following Emily back in April 2019...when she predominantly use to do these beautiful white outlines over photos of women. She then started experimenting with architecture - think shop fronts, cafe interiors, picturesque sceneries and dreamy living rooms. While illustrating everything in the photo by the use of her iPad and ever so amazing Procreate app...she always put her own "emily__ing" flare into each illustration, usually with her signature use of soft pinks. She now has dabbled with collages...which are my personal faves...check out her time lapse for ones of them here.
I struck up a friendship with her over our love for each other's art and it was only until the start of this year we found out we were going to the same event (The Mindful Collective's house warming party back in February). Since meeting and finding out we legit live just down the road from each other, we're the best of buds - always sending through art works of ours to approve (before putting on socials), chatting through pricing and business projects, drawing afternoons at her house and sharing stories about (her) dogs and (my) kids haha.
So without further ado, here's our little interview (haha I'm a poet and I didn't even know it).
Hey gurrrrl, tell us a little bit about yourself! And where are you based?
Hey, my name’s Emily. I grew up in Melbourne and now live in Brisbane with my husband and two beautiful dogs. We run a digital signage + design business together, and on the side I’m also a barre instructor, digital artist, giraffe, new aunt, animal lover, the list can go on..!
What do you do? When did you start and how did you come to do what you do?
I love to create digital drawings; architecture, fashion, figures + collages. I started about 18 months ago now, when I first got my iPad and basically haven’t put it down since. I was influenced by a friend who was using Procreate at the time and I started in a similar style to her, more simple line drawings. It’s taken me a while to find my own style, which will hopefully continue to change and grow as I do, but I’m really enjoying where I’m at with it right now.
Is this currently a side hustle or your full time job? And because I'm nosey, what was your previous job?
Side hustle!
What do you primarily use for your work? Paint, digital, ink? Why is it your preferred medium?
Digital; iPad using procreate app. Why? because double-tapping, duhhh.
In ONLY 3 words, how would you describe your art?
Perfectly imperfect, minimal, fresh
When in your life did you have the "I've made it" moment. I want to hear your biggest highlight in your biz so far!
Eee well I recently started drawing for Coco Republic. Their director got in touch with me via Instagram. Definitely an “I’ve made it” moment for the opportunity itself, let alone for actually getting the gig.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Instagram; following brands, architects, models and photographers that appeal to me. Also, looove staying at an unique AirBnB so that would be another avenue of inspiration.
Plus becoming close friends with you, Kim, you're always helping me work through things, you're so encouraging (my biggest hype girl!) and are simply a huge inspiration to me on the daily.
Awwww shucks - thanks girl!
Alright, skies the limit...who/what is your dream brand collab? What would it be?
This is a tough one! I reckon it would change depending where I’m at in life, but hey right now I am loving the brand @matteau as well as the model @bellathomas who can do no wrong with the shapes she creates, love drawing her.
So, I'm a massive celeb lover and get star struck easily....Have you ever had your art purchased/liked or commented on by someone famous? We need names 👏🏽 and 👏🏽 details. If not, who would you love to have your art hanging in their house?
Haha I think there's been a few now...Elle Ferguson, Saasha Burns, Jasmine Dowling. Architecture-wise - Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent, Alexander & Co...but to be honest I get excited when anyone shares or engages with my work hahaha.
When you’re not doing your art, what would we find you doing?
Hanging out with my husband + the girls, Netflixing, teaching barre + co-running @eiko________, eating way too much caramilk chocolate.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Invest in a good device – iPad Pro 11inch and 2nd gen Apple Pencil highly recommended. Do things that you enjoy doing, not what you think you should be doing. Just do you and your style will come out naturally.
ALRIGHTY now for some Quick Fire questions
Hot drink order: SOY PICOLLO (I got excited and felt like I should start yelling for the QUICK FIRE!)
All time fav movie: Forest Gump (although I watched ‘The F Word’ for the first time the other day and safe to say that’s now one of my favourites)
Go to ice-cream flavour: Ben & Jerrys The Tonight Dough or Hokey Pokey
1 song you could listen to over and over again: Satellite by Above & Beyond – the acoustic version from ‘Live at the Hollywood bowl’
Go to alcoholic drink: port, yes i’m a 30-year-old grandma fo sho
Favourite conspiracy theory: I'll admit I have noooo idea hahah I had to google some and there are some pretty cray ones out there about corona virus. Soz that’s all I got for ya hahaha
Name a quirk/something weird that you do that makes you, you - (you don't have to explain...just let it out): Ha, well. There’s this thing called ‘Full Em’, she takes over and my long limbs flail about and it just escalates from there. If you’ve seen full em, you would know and you would love her.
Ooooohhh I'm yet to experience Full Em
If you could have a dinner party with 3 famous people, dead or alive, who would they be?: I'm going a mix of real people and characters that I love: Frank Woodley, Michael Scott (The Office US), Emma Watson...and these guys can be their plus ones: Mr. Bean, Daniel Radcliffe, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), Margot Robbie. How many am I up to now? hahaha
Thanks so much Em for taking some time out of your busy life to answer these and be our first artist in Behind The Brush.
Want to see more of Emily's work? Check her out below:
Instagram: @emily__ing
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