Paula in her lovely new creative space
Tell us about your new home …We have bought a little cottage in the woods in Warrandyte. The favorite part of my home is the view - our living room and deck over looks a canopy of trees and so even if the house feels a little on the small side the amazing out look gives a sense of space.
Brief career history from high school …
I grew up in a creative enviroment in many beautiful parts of the world.
I studied commercial art in Cape Town and started my career as a junior art director in advertising.
I went to work as an art director in London for 8 years. I then traveled the globe, had 3 babies and
found myself dabbling in freelance graphic design.
I was soon led back to my paints and pens and have at last,
found my home in illustrating. Now based in Melbourne, I have had some wonderful opportunities
to work for a variety of clients as well as the chance to start my own creative business called Sweet William.
First memories of yourself as a creative person
My very first childhood memory is of me painting a bright yellow sun besides a swimming pool; I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember!
Paula (on the right) with her big sister Shelley
Paula if you were a typeface, which one would you be?
Oh that's easy - I would be a hand drawn font! I love the waiver in a hand drawn line and I have hand drawn the alphabet many times!
Sources of inspiration …
When my kids were very young and I wanted to do some thing creative I found Illustration Friday very helpful - they post a theme every week for any one to illustrate. The site was started by a very talented illustrator called Penelope Dullaghan and I often turn to her work for inspiration.
I am addicted to interiors magazines and can't go with out the UK Elle Decoration, Living etc, Red online, Frankie, Inside Out and Country Style to name a few
I love the styling work of Emily Chalmers and have most of her interiors books including her latest one Modern Vintage Style which is wonderful!
I am constantly looking out for creative work that inspires me and one of my latest creative crushes is on Olaf Hajek - an amazing illustrator!
Besides from all of that I follow a huge amount of blogs, some of my favorites are: frolic; lobster and swan; design for mankind; poppytalk; modish; design files; pikaland; design sponge; design is mine; sfgirlbyday; creature comforts; hello friend; fine; design squish oh I could go on and on....
cover art by Olaf Hajek for the London magazine THE HUB
Describe your style and design aesthetic
My style is eclectic and I have always been drawn to all things vintage (I had a vintage tin collection in a granny hat box as a teenager!) I love old things and hand made things so my drawings incorporate all of that - I draw on old vintage paper by hand. I like quirkiness and imperfection.
They remind me of my sunny homeland, South Africa, where they grow wild all over the place. They seem to grow very well here in Australia too, I will be sure to plant some protea bushes in our wild bushy garden. These prints are available in our etsy shop and for the very first time at Magnolia Square on the weekend.
Tell us about some recent projects / new work ...
I've recently had lots of fun with a bunch of wild flowers, bought at a farmers market, my water colors, ink and brushes. Some of the flower studies are of proteas, which are amongst my favorites.They remind me of my sunny homeland, South Africa, where they grow wild all over the place. They seem to grow very well here in Australia too, I will be sure to plant some protea bushes in our wild bushy garden. These prints are available in our etsy shop and for the very first time at Magnolia Square on the weekend.
Are your children creative?
My kids are constantly drawing and I am inspired by their wonderful naive stlye - I wish could have more of that in my own work. At one the markets a lady picked up a coloring in book for sale on my table and was amused to find the inside front cover had been inscribed by my daughter Rosie who had also decided to colour in a few of the pages herself!
Paula's 3 little girls (Lia, Rosie & Liberty) might just have their mothers creative talents!
What are you currently loving?
I am currently loving all the wonderful stationary and paper goods around and wondering how Sweet William's stationary range can be expanded - it is pretty tricky competing with all the amazing products that are being massed produced abroad but I am determined to offer a unique, locally produced small range some how...
What are you tired of?
I am tired of the Union Jack - I have a lovely vintage flag from a flea market in London but when you see something being plastered all over every surface printable it's time to move on... (along with the 'keep calm and carry' motto and the bus roll posters!)
I am happiest when …drawing
Love Paula's style - want more? Check out these links ...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovelysweetwilliam
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