Alison Willoughby creates truly happy art from of her home studio in Brunswick, Melbourne.
With a Bachelor of Design and a background in graphic design, Alison’s work is cheerful, colourful, modern, and bound to put a smile on your face.
Her work focuses on colour, shape and unexpected combinations, and presents a graphic and bold aesthetic that is realised through collage, painting and illustration.
Today I am privileged to interview Alison as we discuss the inspirations behind her artworks and creative process. Read on below.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background and what led you to becoming an artist?
I’m an artist & designer living in Brunswick, Melbourne.
I studied a Bachelor of Design in University and my years of study were a fun and experimental time for me, working on many different personal projects as well as putting as much creativity into the course as I could. I loved being able to create something from start to finish, and I started up an Etsy store around this time which eventually snowballed into me selling my own prints, stationery and artwork through my own website and at markets and some stores as well. I still work as a graphic designer part time and freelance and create art as well! I’ve also worked in textile design, as my art translates well into surface design, and have collaborated with a few brands within this space. Lately I have been focusing on original art as I started painting a few years ago now, and have loved creating special one off pieces.
How would you describe your work?
My work is all about colour, shape and fun combinations. I hope that my art brings some brightness into peoples homes!
Can you give us some insight into your process? How do you create your artworks?
Having a background in design, this really influences both the way I create art and how my art looks. I am quite planned with my work and usually begin with a digital illustration of how I want the piece to look. I reference colour palettes I have saved on my phone or experiment on the computer, and then I will paint the piece. The actual painting part is quite calming and I enjoy the process of this a lot.
What does a day in the office/studio look like for you?
No two days are the same! My studio days are two days a week when I am not working at my part time design job. Some days I have a really open schedule and can work on some new ideas for paintings or design projects, some days are full of admin, quoting for projects or commissions and other days might be graphic design related days. I really like the freedom of this, but also I am very routine driven and always have full on to do lists going so that I use my time as best as I can!
What inspires your artworks?
Different and new colour palettes are always something that inspires me to create new work.
Fashion has an influence on this as well, in terms of colours, and fresh combinations. I am also inspired by nature and more organic shapes & colours.
What are some resources you use for inspiration?
Like a lot of people I am hooked on Instagram and Pinterest! I often look at these but also try not to be too influenced by what other people are creating and spending too long on the can be overwhelming. Travel or doing things that have nothing to do with creating art, like going for a walk or to a movie, can often be inspiring and give me that break to come back and look at things freshly.
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
I’m inspired by people in the industry that are always creating new work and pushing their boundaries to create new and exciting things. Katie Gillies is one of these people! She’s a surface designer in the UK and is so humble about her beautiful work! I was lucky enough to meet her in London for one of her workshops last year after being Insta friends for a while and it was so much fun. I’m also so inspired by the local artists and designers in Melbourne like Cassie Byrnes, Beci Orpin and Annie Everingham for their always inspiring work.
What would your dream project/collaboration be?
I would love to work with Marimekko one day! I also would love to work on a packaging collaboration, for something like chocolate, soap or stationery.
What are some of your favourite pastimes?
I love to go out for good food in Melbourne, especially being in lockdown it’s all I can think about doing! I also love going to galleries and exhibitions, but I am an introvert so I also like to just chill on the couch at home with my boyfriend watching a good doco or Survivor.
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
Pinky’s in Preston is a favourite for gifts and just general cute things. For clothing I love Marimekko, Variety Hour & Alpha 60. Also Living Edge and Fenton & Fenton for something extra special for home.
What’s next for Alison Willoughby?
I’ve been quite busy lately working on paintings to brighten up people’s spaces, they’re in so much due to lockdown! It has been amazing to see such support for my work in such a challenging time for everyone. I’m working on a few commissions and focusing on painting a lot.
I’ve also just launched my 2021 Calendar as well which is exciting and will be doing a little Insta giveaway for that very soon!
You can follow Alison on Instagram here