Creative Highlights | Rebecca Sampson Designs

Each month we are going to highlight a Creative. Art in all its forms can be very emotive and very personal. What some people love, others will hate. And value can be placed on something that has taken a lot less time or effort, because of Provenance or patronage. So we have decided, each month, to introduce (or re-introduce you) to a creative whose work we love.

For February we are going to go technological and talk to Illustrator and graphic designer, Rebecca Sampson. We have worked with Rebecca in the past as she has designed our stunning London Bee design and our Santa Bee design. Her portfolio is wide-ranging. We are highlighting just a few of her designs. Though she is talented using traditional artistic materials, a lot of the work you can see by Rebecca is done on Procreate. Innovative, bright portraits that catch the eye. Some need a second look as you take in the surrealism in pieces such as (plant pot image). Others are more direct, but have a lifelike quality which defies the bright colours they are created in. 

Why did you want to become an illustrator/designer?

I’m definitely happiest when I’m creating something and I couldn’t imagine a job now where I didn’t do something creative. I especially love painting faces because they are so individual and even the tiniest detail can change someone’s whole identity or expression. 

What or who influences what you do?

Funnily enough, I’m not a huge one for galleries! I get lots of inspiration from around me though. I love interior design, fashion, street murals, films, animation and concept art. My favourite artists are Solly Smook, Paula Rego, Janice Sung and Chantal Horeis.

What is the best and worst thing about being a designer/illustrator?

The best thing is starting with nothing and having the satisfaction of seeing something new at the end of the process. The worst thing is taking criticism and learning to believe in yourself and that you have something valuable to offer.

What is your advice to anyone getting started?

Everything takes a lot of practice and no one starts out gifted. People who are ‘gifted’ tend to be people with a natural aptitude who then enjoy it so much they work at their skill every day until they are brilliant. There’s no big secret in my opinion.

It is also important as an illustrator to develop a style as that acts as your brand and means clients and buyers understand you and your way of seeing the world. Your style can evolve of course but concentrate on building a consistent body of work which has similar traits be that colour, line quality, subject matter etc. Imitate your heroes until you have enough heroes for it to combine into a unique style rather than purely imitation. Then use as many social media tools to present yourself as possible and be very professional about it. No pics of your boyfriend/favourite actor/cactus/cat unless it’s relevant to your brand. Finally, don’t expect instant success. But do keep aiming for the stars and keep trying to improve. It can be a slow road in the beginning but persistance is a very valuable trait and you have to believe in yourself before anyone else will. And then enjoy being paid to do what you love! That first commission or sale is so special.

To find out more about Rebecca’s work, or to purchase her pieces visit her website, or her Instagram. You can also purchase prints and gifts with her designs on from Red bubble and Art Wow.

Her work is available to buy on prints or other gift and homeware items at ArtWow and  RedBubble.com. Commissions start at £100.

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