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Pre-Major Project Final Major Project Grad Show Fundraising Paris Exhibition BU Whovian Society Other Commissions
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Website Blog Facebook Other Social Media Etsy
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Portfolio Business Cards Postcards
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The Dream Commission Handsome Frank Art Therapy What Next? CV Links
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“Embroiderers tend to be universally passionate about their practice... their devotion resulting in the expansion of new techniques, applications or approaches to embroidery as a creative medium.�
- Joanne Hall, 2012.
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I first discovered stitching as an illustrative technique at the beginning of my second year at the Arts University Bournemouth. It was originally meant as a therapeutic way to alleviate personal issues I had around that time of my life, but I became obsessed with the repetitive process and the finished aesthetic. The careful construction of an image from individual strands of thread appealed to my inner perfectionist and provided a newfound passion for tactility which often cannot be found in more typical forms of drawing. For me, the texture of thread enhances an illustrative piece, inviting the viewer to observe where “the work leaves behind the mark of human hands� (Greer, 2011. p.11). The medium offers an alternative to what is usually seen in a digital culture and can be easily adapted to screen based platforms such as blogs and animation sequences in order to remain relevant to the demands of clients in the industry. I recently discovered that combining embroidery with coloured pencil enhances its textural qualities and aids time management issues. My third year of study has followed my progression with this combination of analogue and digital techniques, pushing the boundaries of my practice as I prepare for the professional world.
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Although it sounds rather clichĂŠd, my personal experiences play a significant part within a vast array of images, objects, places and people that inspire me. Examples of these include frustrations of modern life, coincidences, social interaction, memories and mental illness. I always endeavour to include a message inside my work to encourage the viewer to pause and reflect on their own personal experience of a certain subject. It is important that the process of my practice has a purpose aiming to appeal to a specific audience or viewpoint - as it helps me to focus towards an intentional final outcome. Consequently, I find myself creating or responding to short narratives as a way of presenting my ideas and have become increasingly more interested in existing visual sequences such as graphic novels and animations. Whether these are simple satirical commentaries or more serious narratives about current issues, they are always incredibly thought provoking.
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9 10 1. Portraits, Sarajo Frieden (2010) 2. “Rise”, Andrea Farina (2012) 3. “iDiots”, Big Lazy Robot VFX (2013) 4. “The Catcher in the Rye”, J. D. Salinger (1951) 5. “Tharsis Sleeps”, Nicos Livesey (2014) 6. “Wildlife in Spring”, Jon McNaught (n.d.) 7. Sketch, James Jean (2009) 8. “Dirty Face”, Jenny Hart (2003) 9. “Oppreise”, Ingeborg Kvame (2012) 10. “The Gigantic Beard that was Evil”, Stephen Collins (2013)
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I also find inspiration in observational location drawing, documenting anything from social interaction to interesting architecture. The immediacy of sketching on location adds energy to my work and I enjoy experimenting with colour and line before transferring and developing these into stitch, which is a method I have adopted more frequently this academic year.
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Craft, a discipline that is closely linked to stitching, forms a large part of my interest in the medium and in my spare time I like to expand my work into three dimensions, creating decorative gifts for friends and family which are also for sale at my Etsy store.
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13 This Page: 11. Fox Toy Softie, WoodlandTale on Etsy (2015) 12. “Pearl” a Folk Art Doll, Cathy Cullis (n.d.) 13. “Gunungan”, Dey Irfan (2012) Opposite Page: 14. “The Land of my Heart Chokes on its Abundance”, Gareth Brookes (2014) 15. “Stillness is the Move”, Dey Irfan (2013) 16. “The Black Project”, Gareth Brookes (2012)
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Amongst the many stitch artists and craftspeople that inspire me, Gareth Brookes and Dey Irfan are the most influential as they push the conventional boundaries of embroidery to exciting new contexts and concepts. Brookes’ graphic novel The Black Project separates the medium from its twee associations with gothic patterns, whilst Irfan’s minimal, selective approach has a very modern, graphic feel. The ways in which both artists have discovered new territory with embroidery strengthens my own aspirations to do the same in my current and future pieces.
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“I like the darker side of handmade things�
- Gareth Brookes, 2014.
Having not entered any live competition briefs so far during my time studying, I jumped at the chance to get involved with The House of Illustration Book Competition 2015. The brief involved producing three interior illustrations and a front cover for a collection of ghost stories published by the Folio Society. I wanted to develop my images further than the minimum requirements so based my entire PreMajor Project on it in the hope of extensively developing my skills of responding to detailed brief specifications, as well as adapting stitch to screen-based contexts when scanned. The overall feel of my final images were quite graphic, with areas of flat coloured fabric mixed with more detailed embroidered sections, and seemed to work well when uploaded digitally for online submission and my website. Although I did not make the competition short list, I really enjoyed this project as I saw a significant improvement in my understanding of successfully combining this analogue form of image making with the digital, and it has built my confidence to enter more competitions like this in the future.
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After responding to existing texts during my Pre-Major Project, I felt that it was time to produce a self-authored narrative to improve my creative freedom. It was quite daunting to invent my own story for the first time, but I soon found my inspiration during a journey home from London. I noticed how many people are absorbed by technological appliances, causing segregation where there was once polite interaction. Having encountered this frustrating social norm on a daily basis, this initiated a short story about the opportunities that are missed when looking at a screen. My final outcome is a printed book of 70 wordless hand-stitched pages, which is the most ambitious, but also the most satisfying, project I have completed. The experience of working so rigorously on a book for such an extensive period of time enabled me to develop my style, embroidering techniques, and long term planning and time management further than I imagined.
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My favourite original sewings will be pinned or box-framed alongside a display of several copies of my final printed book for visitors to flick through during the ‘Observatory’ graduation show. Now that this project is coming to a close, I feel confident that I have sufficient knowledge of self publication to produce many more narratives in my progression as an illustrator.
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Grad Show Fundraising I have always been enthusiastic to help out with various fundraising ventures to promote the graduation show ‘The Observatory’ in July. As I have a particular passion for craft I was eager to create some stitched pieces to add to the collection of items for sale on the many market stalls and silent auction, including small embroidered Christmas baubles and larger decorative pieces.
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Photo Credit: Megan Haig-Harrison
Paris Exhibition After attending a trip to Paris with the Illustration course, I submitted my resulting sketchbook into a small exhibition in the studio which showcased the observational work from students across all years. It was really inspiring to look at similar subject matter being interpreted in so many different styles.
BU Whovian Society My growing involvement with the BU Whovian Society has resulted in the combination of my two greatest passions - illustration and Doctor Who. As the current Events Officer for the society, I use my visual skills as a promotional tool for the events run through it, such as the Bournemouth Invasion - BU’s first ever Doctor Who convention - for which I created an informative brochure with all proceeds donated to a local charity.
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Other Commissions Aside from my larger projects, I have received smaller commissions such as personalised portraits, embroidered giftware, a book cover for a collection of memoirs and even creating a brand identity for a church in my hometown. More recently I have expressed an interest in providing illustrative pieces for Holocaust Memorial Day 2016.
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Website www.lizzyhillier.co.uk A recent addition to my online presence is my website which contains a selective portfolio of my strongest work from the past few years, ‘about’ and ‘contact’ pages, and external links to social media accounts. I wanted to keep the layout and colours on my website as minimal as possible so as not to distract from the main images, whilst including small embellishments such as hand-stitched font and frayed fabric. Producing my own website has been an exciting experience that has allowed me to realise the vision of my profile as an illustrator, even if the constant editing process drives you a bit mad!
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Blog www.lizzyhillierillustration.tumblr.com Since my arrival at university my main blog has been an invaluable way of documenting my progress throughout the variety of projects I have been working on. It is interesting to look back at the past 3 years to see my development as I experiment with new media and subject matter. Upon its conception it was also my first daunting attempt at publicising my work online, yet it was encouraging when I received feedback and followers. I continue to update my blog regularly with a mix of experimental and finished pieces so as to make it informal, friendly and insightful.
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Facebook www.fb.com/lizzyhillierillustration I was a little dubious to create a Facebook page at first, but was pleasantly surprised to gain a reasonable amount of interest. Facebook provides an excellent opportunity to directly, if virtually, interact with the public about my work in a relaxed and friendly way on a familiar platform. It also acts as a springboard to direct people to my main website and blog that contain larger selections of work and contact details.
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Other Social Media Twitter: @lizzyhillier_ Instagram: www.instagram.com/lizzyhillier Your online presence can never be big enough, especially when beginning a freelance career, which is why I also keep up-to-date Twitter and Instagram accounts which link to and from my main website. These are other ways to reach out to potential clients and artists for future projects in a really quick and direct manner, with the images at the forefront.
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Etsy www.etsy.com/uk/shops/lizzyhillier It is rewarding to see a small amount of my work for sale and I aim to continue developing my presence on Etsy to make a more significant profit after graduation. The common aspect of stitching in both my illustrative work and handmade craft pieces complement each other, and selling online expands the commercial viability of experimental stitching and craft.
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One of the most important things to consider when developing a freelance profile is brand consistency. I have therefore produced printed promotional material to coincide with my online accounts using the same hand stitched fonts, colour schemes and textures to reinforce the personality and recognisability of my portfolio.
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Portfolio A physical portfolio has been constructed from my most successful images from my third year and will be the most prominent way of securing clients when called in for an interview.
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Business Cards Business cards are one of the most important tools to attract clients which is why I have spent a significant amount of time designing them to coincide with my illustrative work whilst keeping the overall design simple, including relevant contact details.
Postcards Using a select few of my favourite high quality images from my portfolio, I have produced some A5 size postcards with my logo and website details on the back which will be sold at the ‘Observatory’ grad show to promote my practice. I may also send some of these to potential clients via post.
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“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” - Marc Anthony
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The Dream Commission
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My dissertation helped me greatly when considering the contextual placement of my work. The lengthy stitching process does not lend itself well to editorial sectors, renowned for short deadlines, but can flourish in others. I have always been interested in publishing and advertising, as stitch can offer an emotive connection to an audience. Advertising, whether producing static poster-style images or animations for campaigns, like my second year animation for the charity RipRap, would be an excellent platform to combine embroidery with my interest in health and social issues. Producing narrative commentaries in the form of self-authored books is another area to potentially gain interest from clients with less time restrictions.
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Handsome Frank In an ideal world, I would most like to work with Handsome Frank, a London based illustration agency who ‘work predominantly with clients in advertising, design and publishing’ (Handsome Frank, 2015). It would be a fantastic opportunity to join their diverse, multidisciplinary assortment of illustrators, including textile artist collective MaricorMaricar. The benefits gained from being represented in this agency alongside other contemporary practitioners include additional support in the aquisition of clients and progression of work. After graduation, I am interested in entering this agency’s new annual initiative The Handsome Future Award, in which a promising new artist is selected before spending a year with them to ‘improve and shape their portfolio to help them develop as a commercial illustrator’ (Ibid, 2015).
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17. MaricorMaricar, Handsome Frank (2015) 18. Homepage, Handsome Frank (2015)
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Art Therapy A lot of my work is deeply influenced by sensitive and personal issues and I would find it very rewarding helping others, as an Art Therapist, to find solace in the therapeutic effects that art can provide. Having had therapy myself, I am very keen to explore the career further after I graduate. After conducting extensive research, I have discovered that I will need to complete an MA in Art Psychotherapy, including a placement, for which I will also need to have 1500 hours of experience in “health, social services or education� (Postgraduate Search, 2015). 19
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19. Art Therapy, Secure Teen (2014)
What Next? My current plan is to remain in Bournemouth for at least another year and continue my illustrative pursuits, which include commissions, continuing to reach out to potential agencies and clients, my Etsy shop, local craft fairs and experience as an Art Therapist, in my spare time alongside a part or full time job. If an opportunity in London arises, I will temporarily use my parents house in West Sussex before hopefully moving to the capital permanently.
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Links www.lizzyhillier.co.uk www.facebook.com/lizzyhillierillustration www.lizzyhillierillustration.tumblr.com www.twitter.com/lizzyhillier_ www.instagram.com/lizzyhillier www.etsy.com/uk/shop/lizzyhillier www.pinterest.com/lizzyhillier www.issuu.com/lizzyhillier
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Quotes P5: Hall, J. (2012). Foreword. In: Kettle, A. and McKeating, J. (2012). Hand Stitch: Perspectives. London: Bloomsbury. p.10 P6: Greer, B. (2011). Introduction. In: Prain, L. Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery. (2011). Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press. p.11 P16: Brookes, G. (garethbrookes69@hotmail.com). 11 November 2014. Some quick questions. Email to E. Hillier. (eahillier@live.co.uk). P39: Anthony, M. (n.d.). In: The Article Traveler. (2015). Finding a Productive Workspace. 10 April 2015. Blog: The Article Traveler. [online]. Available from: https:// thearticletraveler.wordpress.com/author/thearticletraveler/ [Accessed April 2015] P41: Handsome Frank. (2015). About. [online]. Available from: http://www. handsomefrank.com/about/ [Accessed April 2015]. Handsome Frank. (2015). The Handsome Future Award. [online]. Available from: http://www.handsomefrank.com/2012/12/announcing-the-handsome-futureaward/ [Accessed April 2015]. P42: Postgraduate Search. (2015). Goldsmiths University of London Art Psychotherapy MA Information. [online]. Available from: http://www.postgraduatesearch.com/ goldsmiths-university-of-london/52284104/postgraduate-course.htm [Accessed March 2015].
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Figures P8-9: 1. Frieden, S. Portraits. (2010). [online image]. Available from: https://s-mediacache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1d/83/bc/1d83bc317598d45d6f4f1d9a68abf1e3.jpg [Accessed April 2015]. 2. Farina, A. Rise. (2012). [online image]. Available from: http://abfarina. com/105368/1591646/-home/rise [Accessed April 2015]. 3. Big Lazy Robot VFX. iDiots. (2013). [online]. Available from: https://vimeo. com/79695097 [Accessed April 2015]. 4. Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. (1951). [online image]. Available from: http:// upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/32/Rye_catcher.jpg [Accessed March 2015]. 5. Livesey, N. Tharsis Sleeps. (2014). [online]. Available from: https://vimeo. com/97718226 [Accessed April 2015]. 6. McNaught, J. Wildlife in Spring. (n.d.). [online image]. Available from: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/5c/15/04/5c150492e683a11a85d4340368e38c17.jpg [Accessed April 2015]. 7. Jean, J. Sketch. (2009). [online image]. Available from: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5484b3b4e4b0883e5fe5efa4/549cf9e7e4b0b2b297f61f14/549cfcb0e4b00eab7b2a39cd/1419574452481/sketchbook_ moleskine_36.jpg?format=750w [Accessed March 2015]. 8. Hart, J. Dirty Face. (2003). [online image]. Available from: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/511988a4e4b0343281b8cbad/511988a5e4b0343281b8cbb4/5119c5d3e4b0f4197c0d6d76/1361401310209/JENNYHART_dirtyface.jpg?format=750w [Accessed April 2015]. 9. Kvame, I. Oppreise. (2012). [online image]. Available from: http://www.ingeborgkvame.net/files/gimgs/34_oppreisedetalj750.jpg [Accessed March 2015]. 10. Collins, S. The Gigantic Beard that was Evil. (2013). [online image]. Available from: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/74/ e3/14/74e3149e4723e323836bf9990325f40a.jpg [Accessed April 2015].
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Figures P12-13: 11. Woodland Tale on Etsy. Fox Toy Softie. (n.d.) [online image]. Available from: https://www.etsy.com/listing/114884313/fox-toy-softie-upcycled-stuffedtoy?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share [Accessed April 2015]. 12. Cullis, C. Pearl, a Folk Art Doll. (n.d.) [online image]. Available from: https://smedia-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/07/f3/1f/07f31f249d6cd6720bc7a52cba972f03.jpg [Accessed April 2015]. 13. Irfan, D. Gunungan. (2012). [online image]. Available from: http://saimg-a.akamaihd.net/saatchi/302325/art/483183/259296-7.jpg [Accessed April 2015]. 14. Brookes, G. The Land of my Heart Chokes on its Abundance. (2014). [online image]. Available from: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/530b6ad9e4b0e23db62c3fc2/5319885ae4b0ee73efef4e9a/53198888e4b0cc8a54066501/1394182281535/lomh3.jpg?format=750w [Accessed March 2015]. 15. Irfan, D. Stillness is the move. (2013). [online image]. Available from: http:// www.saatchiart.com/art/Drawing-Stillness-is-the-move/302325/1821391/view [Accessed March 2015]. 16. Brookes, G. The Black Project Gallery. (2012). [online image]. Available from: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/530b6ad9e4b0e23db62c3fc2/5316fd94e4b01676f1703120/5316feace4b025dd261e535a/1394016865224/pylons.jpg?format=750w [Accessed March 2015]
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Figures P41: 17. Handsome Frank. MaicorMaricar. (2015). [online image]. Available from: http:// www.handsomefrank.com/illustrators/maricormaricar/ [Accessed April 2015] 18. Handsome Frank. Homepage. (2015). [online image]. Available from: http:// www.handsomefrank.com/ [Accessed April 2015] P42: 19. Secure Teen. Art Therapy. (2014) [online image]. Available from: http://www. secureteen.com/uploads/2014/02/art-therapy.jpg [Accessed April 2015]
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