Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I am an avid illustrator and storyteller living in Sydney. When I’m not drawing, I’m either happily working reception at a physiotherapy clinic with amazing staff and customers, or attempting to catch up on TV shows. My passion is character design and comics, looking to expand my work into 2D animation and concept art.
Where do you get your inspiration from when you draw?
A lot of my comics are biographical and exaggerated situations so I base a lot of them off of everyday life with mundane tasks like cleaning and such. I dabble with some mental health awareness and inspirational quotes because I know that it’ll help at least one person get through the day.
Only In Your Head
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
I have asked around and I’m quite pleased with the result: energetic, passionate, sincere, determined, reliable.
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
Since I was 10, my dad used to take me to work and on site for jobs. He’s a sign writer so I got to watch him design banners, logos and corporate posters and then I got to trip around with him to put up said works at locations. It was amazing seeing the interaction between my dad and the client where communication was essential in a project to make both parties satisfied. I have always been creative and sought to do something that I am passionate about, which was interact with people and express things through my work that’ll make everyone relate.
As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Definitely when people complain about my commission prices as if I were forcing them to hire me or when people try to scam free art from me as “industry experience”.
The Camera Captures The Thruth
Tell us about how you prioritise your art?
I have no specified way to get in the zone. Some days I have to set up the mood with a specific music playlist, others I have to scribble absolute nonsense for a few hours until I get the work to how I imagined it. Also having a deadline is great to get you motivated on the day before.
How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
A lot find me on Instagram where I currently network but also verbal references from mutuals are great too. I also follow a lot of other illustrators on tumblr and Instagram for inspiration.
Your advice to artist who are just starting out?
Please don’t torture yourself by comparing your art to other artists. I know it’s hard and it’s easy to get in a funk especially when someone younger has a nicer style and understanding of anatomy than yours, but everyone’s path is different and all you got to do is draw a little bit everyday to get into a routine of developing your own style.
Tell us about your up coming SCG Group art exhibition Art at ArtSHINE Gallery?
10 artists. 40 artworks. It’s going to be amazing. The amount of talent and dedication put into the preparation of this exhibit is going to be well worth it. The vast diversity of illustration styles and techniques will look fantastic altogether. I’m super excited.
What is your proudest moment so far?
Getting the courage to go overseas to America to network with other creative people in workshops and other fun outings. So many good things have happened because of that one chance I took to step out of my comfort zone.
Who do you most want to meet and why?
Honestly, I have a few online buddies that I’ve been friends with for years who live in America and Canada that I would do anything to meet in person. We skype and message often but I feel it wouldn’t be the same compared to seeing them.
Restless Sleeping Poses
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
If you don’t take a chance, nothing will change. If you want to do something, go and do it. Don’t wait for other people or you might miss your opportunity.
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
I am currently rereading the Harry Potter series which is one of my all-time favourites, otherwise I’d recommend Corey O’Brian’s Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes and William Goldman’s cult classic The Princess Bride. Great graphic novel must-reads include The Wicked + The Divine, LumbarJanes and Nimona.
Where do we find you and your artworks and products?
I am mostly active as @emzwashere on Instagram and my artist website www.emilyisabellaishere.wordpress.com I don’t sell prints at this stage but some of my zines will be for sale in the next few months and I do offer character commissions so please message me on either if you would like to hire me for an illustration.
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