Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I’m an illustrator (or more accurately a creative problem solver as I find more and more these days I’m having to be a designer, story writer, inventor or more depending on what the job description is) but to most I’m an illustrator who started out drawing the same time everyone else did and thanks to the daily challenge of visual expression just never really stopped.
Where do you get your inspiration from when you draw?
I get asked that a lot – I think you just have to keep your eyes open and let as much of the world in, as you can never predict what or who might inspire you.
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Creative, passionate, loyal, curious and very weird..
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
Well my first job was having my own face painting business at 10 – then it was 9 years in hospitality through schooling until a year in the US after uni and it was straight into the creative industry – but my career thus far is really a product of my own making – that is – basically never saying no to what ever opportunity come along 🙂
How do you usually plan your daily activities?
With post it notes and a chai latte in hand.
As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Not being taken seriously
Lesley’s Work Space
Tell us about how you prioritise your art?
I love it so it’s always the first thing I think about when I get up (ok that’s a lie.. breakfast first then drawing) and the last thing I’m thinking about when I go to bed.
How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
I tell as many people as possible what I do and what I would love to do and hope they listen. You never know who you’re talking to and/or who they know – I’ve had job offers standing in book stores because I’ve told someone exactly why I’m riffling through the kids section (‘research’)
60x30cm unframed or 74x44cm framed
Limited edition 1 of 20
Your advice to artist who are just starting out?
Value yourself, find your own voice, practice practice practice… practice.
Working with Kids
Tell us about your up coming Solo Art exhibition at ArtSHINE Gallery?
It’s a bit of a vanity project to be perfectly honest – I needed an excuse to print out some of my longer and more detailed works big enough so people could actually see what I had spent hours trying to achieve (the biggest I usually print anything out is just over the size of a postcard). So this was a way to see my work at a large size and a chance to get anyone interested in my art in room so I could say thanks to their face 🙂
What is your proudest moment so far?
Proudest moment… I don’t think I have one that particularly stands out (not counting the time I managed to single handedly move my giant fridge with string and a stack of books so could reach behind it and turn it on – I mean I seriously macgyvered it) – I think in general I am happy that I can appreciate how lucky I am to have the opportunities I’ve been afforded and surrounded by the people I have been – then proud that I’ve actually done my best to take full advantage of all that combined.
“Ducky, You’re free”
60x30cm unframed 74x44cm framed
Limited edition 1 of 20
Who do you most want to meet and why?
SO many people – but I’ve learnt in the last few years that it’s best to stay away from people I like or idolise as I tend to horrendously embarrass myself – I’m not putting these stories in print so if you want details, come find me.
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
So far? Nothing is as important as it seems at the time…
One of Lesley’s hobbies
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
Game of Thrones (sort of) and the manuscripts I have to illustrate… I love fantasy series though, as the idea of world creation with words is similar to what I do with pictures – Some of my favourite series are Harry Potter, Rowan of Rin, The Wind Singer, Dark materials and so much more
Where do we find you and your art?
My website is a great hub as it has links to all my other social networks that I update daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StripedDesigns/
“Dancing in the Rain”
30x60cm unframed or 44x74cm framed
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