© Miss Libby
© Miss Libby
© Miss Libby
Libby McMullin is a South African born illustrator who has a really fab and quirky style. Above are just a few of my favourites from Libby's site but check it out for a lovely treat!
Here is a mini interview with Libby for your enjoyment:
University: University of Plymouth (2002-2005)
Course: Design:Illustration BA(Hons)
Current Occupation: Freelance Illustrator
What was your first job and how did you know you wanted to work in
design?
My tutor Clive Poole (who taught me Product Design at Plymouth High for Girls), had a lot of belief in me and encouraged me to study at University to be a designer, as did lots of teachers there and in Bere Alston Primary School. Strangely enough, my first design job was with
Tigerprint. I was head hunted from the D&AD Design exhibition back in 2005 where I did a work placement with Tigerprint and produced a stationery range. I then went on to freelance for Tigerprint, designing Christmas Stockings and other items. I knew when Quentin Blake visited
my primary school in Devon that I wanted to be an illustrator, I didn't realise it was a proper job until this moment! Years later, I wrote to him whilst I was studying for my degree and I have the postcard he sent me (sending me luck with me degree and all the time that follows after)
proudly sat on my shelf.
What are the inspirations/ influences for your design work?
My love for the early fashion illustrations of Andy Warhol, along with the whimsical style of Rowland Emett has always been of great influence. I love European Folk Art and Fairy Tales. Music plays a great part in my life too. Having started school at 7 years old in South Africa, my Mom had encouraged my sister and I to draw and write from a very young age. The first thing I drew was a fish at 18 months old, my Nana still has it. I have numerous books I had 'written and
illustrated' as I was growing up and this has carried on into my later years, where I still like to escape into my imaginary world and absorb myself in words.
What is your favourite medium?
I love Sennelier Inks best! They are traditional shellac based inks. I buy them from France when I visit my parents, but they sell them worldwide as I picked some up in Byron Bay too.
Which design blogs, books or designers etc can you not live without?
Just looking at my bookshelf (that is full of mainly children's books)
I've picked my favourite:
Andy Warhol 'Fashion' foreword by Simon Doonan published by Thames &
Hudson
All Wrapped Up! Groovy Gift Wrap of the 1960's. Kevin Akers published
by Chronicle Books
a Little Golden Book 'I can fly' by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Mary
Blair
247 magazine being a country bumpkin having
lived in Devon for years, I like to know what's happening down there
whilst I'm in London.
printpattern.blogspot.com because its beautiful and keeps me up to
date with latest trends.
The future, what are your next plans?
I've recently moved to London after my travels to 'live the dream' and it is certainly opening doors of opportunity to me. I still feel like I'm travelling because I do what I love and am surrounded by family and friends. I think rich, look poor!
One day, I hope to have my children's books published (they are still in the making stage.) I would love to own my own company and travel craft fairs all over the world with my husband and pet bunny. I don't have a husband or a pet bunny but one day I will. I want to live in a
castle and live happily ever after...
P.S one of our Tigerprinters recently purchased one of Libby's cards all the way down under!