Interview with Stacie Swift

Stacie Swift and her work probably rates as one of my favourite discoveries this year. Since meeting Stacie in May I have enjoyed following her work and seeing wonderful new products in her shop. I’m pleased to say that Stacie has agreed to do an interview for the blog and as her work is featured in this week’s gift guide, and she’ll be at Crafty Fox Market with me on Sunday 9th Dec, this week seemed perfect timing. Enjoy…

A selection of Stacie’s colourful work
Image : Stacie Swift used with permission

One of the things that immediately grabs me when looking at your work is the colour. Can you tell us more about your approach to colour?

Bright and bold colours appeal to me. I don’t have a steadfast rule when it comes to applying colour to my work but I do tend to work from a palette of vivid and lively shades.

Colouring my images digitally allows me to play around with lots of different colour ways before settling on a final design.

“Foxes Dancing in the Rain”
Image: Stacie Swift used with permission

I know that you are very keen on foxes (and even considered getting one as a pet!) do you find certain animals feature more in your work than others? If so, why?

I like animals with character, if I can imagine them with humanlike characteristics or wearing a nice jumper all the better. Foxes also have the advantage of being orange – and very cute!

“Singalong” – Giclee Print
Image: Stacie Swift used with permission

What would your ultimate illustration project be – firstly for yourself and secondly for someone else?

For someone else, I would love to illustrate a children’s book. In fact, this would be my dream personal -project if I could also write it too.

What are the best and worst things about being an illustrator?

There are so many good things about being an illustrator! I love being able to create things that people treasure and want to take home. I love being able to translate random ideas onto a page. Plus it’s amazing being paid for a job you are passionate about and that you truly love!

The downsides are when you have your heart set on a job and it falls through, never having enough hours in the day and not being paid on time.

Hand Drawn Type Awesome
Image: Stacie Swift used with permission

Can you name three things which motivate or inspire you?

I am inspired by the success of others and seeing the great things other illustrators have achieved.

I’m motivated by the positive comments and feedback I receive from customers and clients and also by the unfailing support of my family who all are waiting for me to become super famous 😉

Stacie’s Studio
Image: Stacie Swift used with permission

Describe your workspace – what’s the view like?
My studio is a dedicated room in our house looking out onto the neighbour’s farm so I look out onto some chickens and a horse! At the minute the walls are completely white as we are in the process of decorating but I have lots of drawings and mood boards stuck up for various projects I am working on.

“Sausage Dogs” – Giclee Print

Are there stories behind your creations?

I tend to have a running internal narrative, the little animals I draw all appear from things I have seen, or hear, or things that happen to people I know.

logo commission I produced for @Theatre_Fox (http://theatre-fox.tumblr.com/)
Image: Stacie Swift used with permission

What is your favourite thing about commissions?

I love being able to translate someone’s ideas onto paper. It’s very rewarding being able to create something special that is a true one off.

Hand Drawn Type – “Dream Big”
Image: Stacie Swift used with permission

You often include motivational quotes in your blog posts. Do you have a quote that sums up Stacie Swift?

There are plenty of quotes out there that sum up the ups and downs of being an illustrator. Not afraid of hard work and making my own opportunities, this sums up my thinking quite well:

‘I’m a great believer in luck – and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it’

(Thomas Jefferson)