Earlier this week I was introduced to this sweet online store called Little Quarters after owner Sarah emailed me when she found out we both had a common love of skulls. Working in the online space I love finding new sites and exploring them and when I find one that is beautifully designed I always want to share it with others. This one was no exception.
Sarah as passionate collector is a graphics designer with a background in fashion design, she’s worked with some big names in fashion but decided it was time to do something for herself and started Little Quarters. Travel is a huge influence on Sarah’s drawings and the recent passing of her sister encouraged her to follow her dreams and start the business. Here’s a little insight into Little Quarters and Sarah’s inspiration… Sarah is kindly offering one unframed print to a Nest blog reader so please comment below with the print you would most like in your house and why to enter the competition. Winner will be announced Friday 13th Sept.
1. Where did the illustration idea stem from?
“They say what you do when you’re procrastinating is what you should do as a career”. I have been so fortunate to figure this out for myself, although still working on achieving it as a career in Little Quarters. After uprooting and moving from Geelong, Victoria at the beginning of 2012, to Sydney, I fell naturally into concentrating on my own work and in particular my Illustrations, doing what I love most.
2. You have a repeating skull theme happening, was that intentional?
3. Are you self-taught or did you study?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always drawn. I was always found happy with a pencil in my hand, and a colouring book under my arm. I studied graphic design at the Gordon TAFE, in Geelong, Victoria. However I have never studied traditional illustration so I am self-taught in that aspect. I’m finding my design and fashion background falls hand in hand with my illustration work. I’m really enjoying the journey of discovering new techniques within my illustrations as I progress.
Ahhh… tree’s, really realistic looking tree’s, and masculine men. Most of my men look a bit girly! With objects I’m not too familiar with, I try to research the objects I want to put into the artwork and study them and to see how I can best create the illustration. I try to create a realistic feel to my work, although still trying to master this. I am actually in the process of quoting a commission piece, of which my client is after a tree of life. I’m hoping the job goes ahead as I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
6. Any advice to other illustrators out there looking to create their own range like yours?
It is hard work, and you do need to be dedicated, and have a real passion for it, but its so rewarding! It’s really exciting to see your work being enjoyed by others. It sounds cliché but life really is too short to not be doing what you love. I get to draw every day, and I love that! Whatever you find yourself drawn to, just have some fun with it! What have you got to loose?
LOVE LOVE ‘Matilda’
Having visited Mexico this work would remind me of my amazing trip everyday and the culture which Sarah has captured in this print!
Beautiful! Im always so envious of people who can draw, it seems like such a relaxing talent to have! I love ‘Pineapple Head’!!
I love the skull with the cowboys hat. I’m glad Little Quarters was listed in this blog because it is a great find. I’ve been to website now and love the drawings.
I love the third print. It makes me go away in my head and dream 🙂 You are very talented and thankyou for a chance to have something special to hang in my home.
Love the Wild Horses picture.
Deepest sympathies for your loss – I know where you’ve been there.
I love the bottom left of the quartet – the colours and fluidity are great. The use of stark black coat hangers is a great design element too!
Sarah’s illustrations are amazing! I Have literally been ogling each and every one of her artworks on her website. I am completely skull obsessed and keep getting drawn to ‘Pineapple Head’. I always imagine skulls as being happy and I love the juxtaposition in the eyes with teardrops falling from the darkness of one eye and colour and happiness in the other. Every time I look at each print I see it slightly differently and notice something I haven’t seen before. Love it!