You consider yourself a magpie enthusiast. What is your favourite thing about magpies?
I am definitely a magpie enthusiast, I follow all the Facebook pages. I’m so bad with picking favourites so I’m going to say two things. I love that they can have close relationships with people, and I love how they walk around like tiny velociraptors.
Did you study art in school?
Yes! I have have been very passionate about drawing and art ever since I can remember. It was the only thing I was sure of pursuing during my school years. I chose to do visual arts for my High School Certificate and after graduating continued to study illustration at the Design Centre Enmore.
What mediums do you use to create your artwork?
I usually go for fineliner pens, watercolour and gouache. Then sometimes I combine it with digital mediums like Photoshop or Illustrator if I want to get a cleaner or more graphic look.
Are there any artists that you're particularly fond of / inspire your work?
I have always been inspired by Tim Burton and his unique characters. I grew up watching his films and always loved his celebration of the strange and unusual as well as his quirky sense of humour.
What else inspires you?
So many things! Music, films, animals, mid century design and graphics, Studio Ghibli films and old 1920s/30s cartoons just to name a few.
What's your favourite Monsterthreads product?
The reusable shopping bags! They are a great eco friendly alternative, super handy and bring some colour and excitement into grocery shopping.
Do you listen to anything while you draw?
I am always listening to music when I draw. For me I think they go hand in hand with each other. Quite a few times I’d be listening to a piece of music and it sparks an image in my head that reflects the sound or emotion in the song, and so I start drawing. Usually I’ll just put on my ‘liked songs’ playlist on spotify, which consists of movie soundtracks, ska, motown, various types of rock, some classical… a bit of everything really.
What is your goal as an artist?
My goal as an artist is to bring a bit of fun into peoples lives and to share interesting stories and perspectives. It’s very easy these days to get caught up in all the negativity that’s happening in the world, so I think it’s important to take a break from that and to laugh and enjoy the little things.
Favourites Lightning Round
Food: Spaghetti Siciliana
Place: Anywhere that’s surrounded by history and nature
Band: It’s a tie between Radiohead and David Bowie
Animal: All of them but mostly cats and birds
Movie: I have about 20 favourite movies which makes it very hard to choose, so here are my top 3: (in no particular order) The Shining, To Kill A Mocking Bird, Harold and Maude.
Fun fact about you
I am left handed and I enjoy doing accents. The Southern accent is my favourite.
Where can we find more of your work?
You can find more of my work on Instagram at: @holly_gormanillustrations
