Sarah Wilkinson Interview

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

I really love the Cat dressed as a bit of a tit. The caption tickled me and sparked so many ideas of how to make him look silly, but in the end, I just love the expression on his face!

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

I design my cards almost completely digitally on my iPad in Procreate, before formatting and completing the files in photoshop. However, I love the hand drawn look, so I try to give a feel of that to my designs by using textures and blending modes etc.The most enjoyable part for me is the illustrating on the ipad. I love the freedom drawing digitally gives you to try new things, change colours, and experiment in everything, and anything that doesn’t work, you can just remove without ruining your entire piece of work.

How did you get into illustration/design?

After having my first baby, I knew I didn’t want to return to work full time, so I began searching for something I could do from home whilst being there to take care of my children. I have always loved art, drawing and generally being creative, so I knew I wanted to do something with that. After my second daughter, I had narrowed down what I wanted to do, to illustration, and I began practicing every day on the ipad, building up many many pieces. In February 2021 I opened a Thortful shop and from there I have fully embraced card design! I still work part time, but hope to one day be able to work full time in illustration and design.

Where do you find inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from finding humour in everyday life. Something that makes me laugh will often spark an idea for a card, and it grows from there. Other times, I will use pinterest to search for inspiration. Something I am always very conscious of is not copying other designers. If I have a good idea, I will often check other card sites to make sure no one has done it before. I often let ideas go if I discover someone else has done it already.

Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative person?

So many to choose, so I’m going for a top 3! Rosie Made A Thing captions really make me laugh. Kelly Anne Dalton creates the most beautiful illustrations and Liv Wan with her beautiful food illustrations.

Do you have any top tips for aspiring designers?

The best advice I got was to start before you think you are ready. If you keep putting it off, then it will never happen! Get yourself out there, share your work, and don’t let imposter syndrome get the better of you!

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

Working with Sunshine Llama has been brilliant. The designs have pushed me to illustrate subject matters I haven’t previously done – I’ve steered clear of cats and dogs as I was never happy with how I drew them. This gave me the kick I needed to sit down and figure it out. Plus I am still really new to this industry and have just been creating my own ideas. Being able to collaborate and get feedback on designs has been incredibly valuable too. Plus the team are lovely too, so you can’t go wrong!

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I once found myself in the Big Brother House talking to Dermot O’Leary… I was a runner on the Big Brother live eviction show, and as part of the rehearsals for the housemates entering the house, we had to step out the car, wave to a pretend crowd, while a camera person walked backwards, walk up the steps, wave and the door would open. Dermot was stood at the bottom of the stairs on one of the times I ran through this, as he was rehearsing his show, and we had a quick chat!

What’s your favourite film? Why?

It’s hard to pick just one favourite as it depends on my mood! My favourite film growing up was The Little Mermaid, and although there are many more that I’ve enjoyed since then, there’s is something really special about being able to sit down with my girls and watch one of my childhood favourites with them.

What’s your star sign?

Aries.