Amy Hodkin Interview

What is your favourite card you’ve designed for Sunshine Llama and why?

I love the “Happy New Home” castle card because of all the little details. I found it fun to add in seemingly mundane things, like the cat popping up in the window, and the washing line hanging from the turret. Especially when the characters have just moved into a grand, extravagant castle!

Can you tell us a little bit more about your design process? What do you enjoy most?

At the beginning of a project I spend a lot of time using line and colour to roughly sketch out my ideas and compositions. This is probably the part I enjoy the most because it’s where my creativity really comes out. After agreeing on layout and colours with the client I then work on the final images where I build up painterly textures and expressive mark making.

How did you get into illustration/design?

My sister and I used to watch a lot of cartoons growing up and also enjoyed reading manga and graphic novels. We continuously inspired each other to work creatively, and we were very lucky that our parents always supported our dreams of working in the creative industries.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m inspired by nature, textiles, patterns, and colour.

Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative person?

I love the work of Monika Forsberg, Louise Lockhart (The Printed Peanut) and Jonny Hannah.

Do you have any top tips for aspiring designers?

Look after your health, let go of your ego and stay focused on your own path. Comparison is the thief of joy, don’t let it cloud your way forward.

What’s been the best part about working with Sunshine Llama? What have you enjoyed most?

Sunshine Llama initially came to me with the concepts for the designs, and I really enjoyed collaborating through this process together. The communication and feedback was always so encouraging and thorough which made the whole project a joy to work on!

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I’m an identical twin, and she works as a freelance animator in London.

What’s your favourite film? Why?

My favourite film is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s wild fun, and basically a mixture of all of my favourite genres: horror, musical and comedy!

What’s your star sign?

I’m an Aries, which apparently makes me passionate, optimistic and stubborn.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 🙂

Thank you Sunshine Llama for working with me on this collaboration!