What makes you feel the most wild and alive?
I’m an adrenaline junkie who loves being in nature, so the activities that make me feel most wild and alive are skiing, surfing, swimming as well as skydiving and rollercoasters. Not only are these all fun and enjoyable to do with family and friends but they also allow for being surrounded by creation and inspiration.
When did your love for illustration first begin?
I’ve always been a keen artist, getting my hands dirty from a young age alongside my darling nanna who taught me to paint, sew and collage. After I completed school, I began a textiles degree which didn’t sit quite right with my style, so I switched to illustration, which opened my eyes to telling stories through marks on a page. Since then, I have drawn every single day and now get to call it my job.
Do you have any rituals that get your creative process flowing?
I always start the day with a substantial breakfast and a big coffee. Usually, I spend some time on my own watching a documentary, scrolling inspiring accounts on Instagram or Pinterest and by the time I make my way to my desk and get started on work, this has sparked my creative juices enough to get the ball rolling.
How has a sense of ambition shaped where you are now?
I am so blessed to have a supportive family. They have always believed in me and encouraged me to go for my dreams. I watched my mum go back to university to do her dream job after 15 years as a lawyer, and my dad build a successful landscaping business from the ground up after being rejected by a trusted employer of 18 years. My influences from a young age have built a core belief in me that anything is possible and if there’s a will, there’s a way. My business is a bonus on top of being able to do what I love everyday: draw.
What does a typical day look like for you?
After my breakfast and some work, I like to get outside for my lunch if I can. I always call family at some point as they’re back in the UK, which is guaranteed to be a highlight of each day. When my husband gets home, we might work on some house projects as we’re currently renovating our first home, we will cook dinner together and either go out to meet friends or family, or we will be found watching a movie on the sofa with some popcorn!
What would be your dream collaboration?
I would absolutely love to work with a linen company making bed sheets or curtains, this would be so fun and I’m always dreaming up home colour palettes which I could incorporate into these designs.
What patterns, textures and tones are you loving right now?
I love a gingham or plaid, especially paired with a textured and bold complimentary colour. Or anything floral and green.
What are you …
Listening: Harry Styles’ latest album Harry’s House and the Mr Ballen podcast Reading: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Watching: This is a Robbery on Netflix
Learning: How to flip a house in six months
What’s next for you personally and professionally?
I’m visiting my family for Christmas and I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about anything! Professionally, I just invested in my first printer, so I’ll be working on building my product offering on my website. I am also keen to create a GROW part two which is the cookbook I made alongside my good friend Ellie a few years ago. Watch this space and thank you for reading!
For more, visit lydiaellendesign.com or @lydiaellendesign on Instagram.
