The lovely – and uber talented – illustrator Kelly Thompson chatted to Thread at her husband Christian’s Melbourne restaurant The Town Mouse on Drummond Street in Carlton. Over an endless supply of small plates we chatted a bit on and off around the subject of insights Kelly has for young illustrators starting out and how to deal with the industry.
“I feel like I’ve got to a point where I’ve ticked a lot of my goals and now I am looking to expand my brand into new areas – it’s a really exciting time for me thinking about what I can do next, and also collaborating with others. I want to help and be supportive of those who are starting out creatively, or just people who are doing cool things that I love across all genres. I try to share the work of people I admire with those who follow me on social media and help promote them through my blog, as it’s a really rewarding feeling when you can put your exposure to good use and help others out.”
“Where possible I like to share any insight I have gained which is why I love being involved with events such as Semi Permanent. I remember what an impact it had on me being in the audience when I was at University, and hopefully I can give that same feeling to someone else. When I was younger I found advertising agencies and art directors so intimidating, but after working in an agency I soon realised they are just like me, they all go to the pub, they are just people, and once I realised this everything felt so much more achievable, if only I had lost my fear earlier! I think the creative industry can be a bit intimidating, and often a solo journey, but I don’t think it needs to be this way.”
“Over the last year or two I have started to change my mindset a lot. When you are younger you constantly seek approval and don’t always follow your gut, but I’m at a point now where if something’s not right it’s not right. I can’t please everyone and I don’t care to. I just want to surround myself with positive people, eat good food, push my work and try and give the love back where I can.”
Here are some snaps of the snacks…
See Kelly’s work online at www.kellythompson.co.nz
Megan Robinson
15 March 2014
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