Interview with: Tegan Iversen

We chat to Melbourne artist Tegan Iversen about her colourful illustrations and what she’s working on at the moment.

Tell us a little about yourself and what path lead you to become an illustrator.

'I’m a twenty-five-year-old gal who’s lived in Essendon (Melb, Australia) for pretty much my whole life. I love 80s tunes & films, cute things like Kewpie dolls & Pusheen, having a dance & oh, of course, I love drawing & making stuff! I studied Fine Art at the Victorian College of the Arts & have since just kept creating art & illustration work.

Can you tell us a little about your work and the inspiration behind it?

My work is colourful, fun, cute & honest. I am mostly inspired by experiences & things that surround me, such as food, flowers & also feelings I have.

Can you give us a little insight into your creative process and what materials you use?

I always start with drawing using a fineliner or biro onto white paper, I then often use digital techniques, through first scanning my drawing & then colouring & arranging the composition using Photoshop. Sometimes I paint, mostly using acrylics. I also keep a few sketchbooks/visual diaries, in which I write notes & ideas, sketch little things & keep small items & photos for inspiration.

What would we find you doing when you’re not making your art?

Maybe going for a walk around my neighbourhood, seeing a movie at the cinemas, babysitting my cute little cousins or hanging out with mates; eating snacks, having a wine & some good chats.

Are you working on any new projects at the moment?

Currently working on some illustrations for a collaboration I’m doing with my mum - we’re doing a children’s book together, woohoo!

What are your future goals and ambitions as an illustrator?

Keep making work that I like & am proud of & that people relate to & feel joy from. I would also love to make bigger & better work & paint a large mural somewhere, that would be fun!

Are there any particular projects that you have enjoyed working on the most?

Recently I created some illustrations to go on wine labels for Hop Nation’s Site Fermentation project. Creating artwork that then went onto tasty cans of wine (yes omg wine in a can, say what?) was super exciting!

Are there any budding artists, photographers or designers that you are loving right now?

Yes! I love Sam Stevens’ beautiful text embroidery works, I’m so lucky to own one of their incredible works (@onlythreespoons), gal pal Naomi Barnes takes amazing pics, she recently took some very cute pics of me, if I do say so myself (@naomimegcreative) & if you’re after colourful, fun, handmade, rainbow clothing my mate Danni has you covered (@_awkward_ apparel_).

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no”

You can see more of Tegan’s work at teganiversen.com or @teganiversen