Rach Collier

DESCRIPTION //

I like to challenge myself and try new things when it comes to evolving my art style. Typically working in black and white, I wanted to try something completely different to what I am comfortable with. I motivated to actually do it in a moment of pure boredom during the university semester break. I really wanted to play around with colour for this piece and make it as dynamic as possible, try to come up with something a little bit crazy.

DESIGN PROCESS //

Before starting any project, I gather as many reference images on a subject as humanly possible so I have something to work from. I get inspiration from other artists, particularly tattoo artists and designs as they often incorporate strong linework and form, and start piecing a design together. Always starting traditionally, I play around with composition and form, kind of hoping for the best. After this, I scan the sketch into Photoshop, which is where the fun really happens. Choosing some basic colours, I start to block off sections and slowly build up shadows, highlights and texture as I go.

How would you describe your style?

This piece is completely different to my usual style. I usually favour a black and white colour palette and wanted to challenge myself to do a piece in colour. As such this piece is one that really pushed me artistically, this artwork is a highly dynamic piece inspired by the strong linework and form demonstrated in tattoo artists drawing style.

What are your influences?

On any given day, you can find me scrolling through hundreds of amazing artworks on Instagram and Pinterest, drooling and fangirling a little bit over their work. One artist who I have been obsessing over recently is Lois Van Baarle (also known as Loish), who is known for her crazy character development and colour palettes using digital software. As mentioned before, I am also heavily influenced by tattoo design and art styles, which influences my linework and compositions.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

A fox. Smart. Decisive. Aggressive when they need to be. Plus Fantastic Mr Fox was a great movie.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

“Lydia” by Highly Suspect. A song for when you don’t have your hype man with you.

ILLUSTRATOR | PERTH, WA

AGE | 20

INSTAGRAM | @rachcollier_illustration

TOOLS | Adobe Photoshop, pencil and paper