INTRODUCING : ELLIE BLACKWELL
Illustrator Ellie Blackwell is inspired by texture and pattern with both tactile and emotional layers. She is one of the many creatives that we share our office with at Argal Home Farm and the place is never quiet or boring with her there to sing, scream and giggle!
Over the past month we have been working closely with Ellie to create an illustrative design that demonstrates the process of how we make our rucksacks.
She has been with us in the barn, on location and the post production stages, studying how we work and sketching vigorously.
It is amazing for us to see our day to day work activities preserved visually in Ellie’s distinctive style. Her minimal and playful figures perfectly capture our work lifestyle and the fun that we have doing it.
We sat her down for a chat to find out more:-
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Falmouth?-
I’m originally from Brighton where there is a HUGE creative scene. You are constantly surrounded by creative events, festivals and exciting artistic people.
I applied to do Illustration at Falmouth after my foundation and it was the best decision I could have made.
I think Falmouth has similarities to Brighton but on a smaller scale. There is a really strong creative network and the whole town is full of small independent businesses.
What or Who inspires your illustrations?
I chose to move back to Falmouth after having a year out travelling and working back in Brighton, as this is where I feel most inspired. Although we are far away from London we aren’t cut off and have our own really strong network of creative people starting up really exciting projects.
Working collaboratively with like minded people whatever their practice gets me excited.
In which environments do you work best in?
At my desk in the studio at the farm. The movement of travelling to the studio means I’m in the right frame of mind to work. I think it’s really important to get up early and out of the house just like any other job.
There is such a buzz at the studio when everyone is up there and although it can be distracting having your best friends around (like pull up contests on the beams) everyone can bounce of each other whilst focusing on their own individual practice. Its a really inspiring place to be and am lucky to be apart of it.
What’s your process of illustrating a piece of work?
I always initially work with just pen and paper and draw anything to do with the project I’m working on, and will then scan my work into the computer and spend too long colouring and rearranging composition. I’m way to slow and am still learning the software but I enjoy piecing images together this way.
What are your future plans with illustrating?
To continue collaborating with as many different people across different creative fields and having loads of fun, preferably travelling as much as possible with it…in a solid gold car.
From illustrating a variety of shop, cafe and Yoga windows to creating posters for pop-up evenings her illustrations are becoming a recognisable part of this creative towns charm.
To view more of Ellie’s work visit: http://www.ellieblackwell.co.uk/