How would you describe your creative discipline?
Vintage vibes from the 1950s, updated with modern values.
Where would we likely find your work?Rockabilly festivals, Tiki Bars, tee shirts, record covers, underwear, beauty packaging, magazines, children’s toys. You can see lots of work on my website: https://www.50svintagedame.com/ and Instagram: @50s_vintage_dame
Tell us about your style.I grew up drawing pictures of Betty and Veronica from my comic books, so my style is heavily influenced by vintage comics, and also vintage magazine advertising and vintage product packaging. I like to imbue my characters with personalities and often invent little stories about them in my head while I am drawing.
How did you end up doing what you do?I worked in graphic design and magazine publishing my whole life, but I have always loved drawing and thought I would like to do that as a retirement hobby. So I started doing illustration as a side gig. Now illustration is my full-time career and I couldn’t be happier.
Describe the space where you like to work.A total mess!! I like to have everything I am using, including reference material, art materials, sketch books, drawing tablet, computer and iPad all around me where I can see it all and have it all within arm’s reach. I also like to have all the things I have gathered as ideas for future projects where I can see them too. So basically I have piles and piles of stuff all around me all the time! I have a vintage art studio with a drawing desk and furniture that looks like the advertising studios in the Madmen series.
I used to visit Camberwell Markets frequently when I was studying Graphic Design at Prahran. It was always so much fun and I would always find some vintage treasures there! And I also love the way Melbourne has preserved so much of its architecture. I wanted to create a feeling of fun and excitement, and that little moment of pure joy when you take your first sip of coffee.
Why do you believe it’s important to express yourself creatively?I have always felt the need to create things. Creating gives me a huge sense of accomplishment, but it is also an escape from everyday life into an ideal world through my imagination. People have told me that my work is uplifting and makes them feel happy, especially with all the doom and gloom that has enveloped the world for the past couple of years. It makes me happy to think that I can bring joy to people with my artwork.
What ideas help define your individual approach to life or your work?Go with the flow. Don’t be too stuck in your ways, and be willing to try new things. And always appreciate the past—everything is a learning experience.
What’s your dream brief or project?I am in a really fortunate position—every job I do is a dream come true for me!
How do you take your coffee?Double shot cappuccino.
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