Chelsea Waites Interview

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

My favourite design I’ve created for Sunshine Llama has to be the “so what are your plans for your birthday this year?” card I knew exactly what I was going to draw because that design is basically me! I love getting all cozy and watching tv or a film with lots of snacks, that’s my idea of a great night, so why not spend your birthday like that?

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

I always start off by drawing in my sketchbook until I have a sketch that I think will work. Then I’ll take a photo of it on my Ipad and put it into Procreate (that’s the drawing app I use) and then work on the sketch. I’ve recently been colour blocking first and it’s made colouring so much easier. It’s like a sketch but with colour, which means I don’t have to spend ages picking out colours. The part I enjoy most is adding the final details like the stars because I know that it’s finished and I’m happy with it!

How did you get into illustration/design?

I have always loved drawing and creating, I wasn’t originally going to try to make a career of it when I was in college but when it was the only course I got full marks in I took it as a sign maybe I can. So studied illustration at University as I loved how free the subject is, you don’t have to only draw you can use all sorts of mediums.

Where do you find inspiration?

I like to find inspiration in the every day, the people around me, films, fashion, and art galleries.

Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative person?

An illustrator I love is Helena Covell! I’m always excited to see what she does next.

Do you have any top tips for aspiring designers?

I think my biggest tip would be to just keep drawing, and keep a personal sketchbook that has nothing to do with briefs. I’ve found in the past when you’re constantly working to a brief and not keeping us with your own practice that it can become monotonous and uninspiring. It’s important to keep things playful!

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

The best part of working with Sunshine Llama has to be the support I have recieved, the feedback that they give is nice and clear which has made working on this brief super fun and easy! I have also loved their creative ideas and how well they matched up with me and my brand.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is when I was a child I was obsessed with baked beans, that all I would eat for ages!

What’s your favourite film? Why?

This is a little hard for me to answer because I love so many films if I have any spare time you’ll find me at the cinema, but if I have to pick one it would be “Fantastic Mr. Fox”. I love the colour palette and the soundtrack is such a bop! It’s one of those films that make you feel all fuzzy inside.

What’s your star sign?

I’m an Libra!