Suburban Icons \u2013 Illustrator and designer Lizzie Hodgson

Illustrator and designer Lizzie Hodgson has created a series of iconic prints based upon one of the most iconic cities in the world. But it’s not just the obvious areas she’s celebrating. Here she talks to Paul Lindt.

What sort of artist are you? I’m a creative designer by trade, but I would describe my work as fun, bright and clean. I try and take on each project with an open mind and explore it to the fullest. I love a challenge and love meeting new people/businesses and help communicating their brand across.

You are originally from Australia, but much of your work now celebrates London and the areas in and around where you live. What inspires you about your new home here? I’ve been living in London for 15 years now and I try to be inspired by everything around me. And I like to reflect things of the area that make people smile. Taking simple design and make it fun. Being a massive Instagram user it’s great! I can follow all the artists I’m into. At the moment I’m following Shok-1, his x-ray work is so conceptual. And I follow a lot of design agencies. London has got so many design agencies it’s crazy.

As a relative newcomer can you sum up what is so iconic about London? London is a hub of creativity. Whether it’s the street art or the iconic art galleries, you’re never old or bored in London. There’s so much culture and so many opportunities here if you’re willing to put yourself out there.

You once described your approach to branding as ‘happy design’. I love the sound of this. What constitutes happy design to you, and how may we judge it? A happy client makes a happy design. A great design should be a reflection of the clients or their brand. I want them not just to like it but also to love what is produced. It should always be collaborative and I try and engage with the clients all the way through the process to try and create an environment where they can give negative as well as positive feedback to get to the right result.

You use a lot of typography in your work and have even created your own typeface. How would you sell the love of a well-drawn typeface to people who may never have given one a second look? There are millions of typefaces out there. But a well designed typeface can elevate the work. Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling and you shouldn’t settle. I love seeing what shapes you can make with letters and how you can manipulate words.

What has been your career highlight to date? Working for myself. Now I work for myself I can be selective in the work I take on. I’m now processing some of the best

stuff I’ve ever done. From a unique wedding invite to my own personal work (the postcode posters) I love seeing the final results and feel proud to say I did that.

Looking forward what would be your dream project? I would love to do more illustrative work and be commissioned to do a big brand campaign. Something like Coca Cola which has been known to do one off bottle designs.

This month sees International Women’s Day. What has been your experience of working as a female designer here and back in Australia? Being a female in the design world you have to have your own unique style and voice, something that makes you different from the competition. I’ve been very lucky in my career and been guided by some really great creatives in the past. From starting out 20 years ago at a small Agency in Brisbane to a major firm like News International.

I would say after having children I struggled with the balance to return to work full time. Life became a juggling act, hence why the decision to go freelance was such a great choice. It’s a career that allows you to work from home and be able to balance work and home life.

Don’t be afraid if you can’t take on every project, because the ones you do you’ll put 100% into it.

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Lizzie’s prints are also available at E17 Art House, 54-56 Hoe Street E17 4PG and Grace and Albert, 406 Hale End Road E4 9PH.

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