This week we’re interviewing a lady who has an affinity for bears and dark forest creatures. Hidden Eloise is one of the top ten most successful artist on Etsy, and she’s just released a brand new collection of works for 2011. Read on about how she first started her shop Hide n Seek and sneak a peek into her daily life as she stays on top of everything! {Images in this post are from her latest collection!}
Name: Hidden Eloise
Location: England
Website/Shop: HidenSeek.etsy.com
Blog: HiddenEloise.com
Illustration media: Pencil, paper, some brushes and my computer
Tell us a little more about yourself!
I’m Hidden Eloise, the pencil and brush behind Hide n Seek. I like fairytales with grim endings.
Where do you live? What stands out about living where you are, and what is your daily schedule like?
In the northern forests of the olde England where there are only 2 seasons a year and the Sun seldom reaches the rolling hills.
A typical day would be like this: Wake up, enjoy a hot cup of one of my countless obscure oriental teas, read and reply to e-mails, start processing orders, update stocks in my shops, work on various projects and new products, buy materials and things that i’m perpetually running out of, take a break to go practice martial arts and/or archery (aww it does wonders to a tired mind) and by the end of the day remember to take a breath. A non typical day would be like this: Wake up, enjoy a hot cup of one of my countless obscure oriental teas, start drawing and don’t stop until i fall asleep over my drawings. 🙂
How did you get your start in illustration?
I was one of those introverted girls that found warmth and safety in drawing scribbles on every surface available. My drive towards art kept strong as i was growing up and i eventually studied traditional fine art and sculpture for a year before i got accidentally (don’t ask) engaged into long studies in architecture where i still kept drawing scribbles on every conceivable surface, much to the dismay of my tutors. After my degree and while i was doing a post-grad Masters degree i decided that enough was enough, i created Hide n Seek and never looked back.
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
I will either have an overwhelming desire to draw a specific scene that i was daydreaming about or i will have a very specific emotion hovering above me that needs to find an image to attach to. I depend a lot on random inspiration and whimsy to come up with ideas but when i have a concept I transform my creative process to very thoughtful and technical. I take great care with my pallets and my compositions and I work and rework every element until i’m satisfied, which usually takes at least two-three weeks and often more.
What’s your favorite project so far?
I enjoyed a wonderful collaboration with the very talented singer Adrienne Pierce for her latest album “Oh Deer”. I did all the art and design for the CD album, something i hadn’t done before, and the whole experience was exciting and engaging and moreish.
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek? (a couple or a few images would be good, if you can manage!)
Hmm, let’s see what i can unearth for you, from this huge heap of white paper that i tentatively call a “sketchbook”. 😀
Would you care to share your studio space as well?
My studio space consists of a large desk, overflowing with long forgotten drawing implements, trinkets, mementos, gizmos and gadgets. I’m afraid it would cost you your sanity if i showed a photo. 🙂
What or who inspires you?
I am permanently enamoured with some specific old art movements. It can be seen in most of my art for those who know where to look, but i really let myself go in my latest collection and it’s much more obvious. The Dutch Golden Age and especially Rembrandt, Japanese ukiyo-e and more recent Art Nouveau are all hovering above me in their brilliant light. I also adore Shin Yun-bok, he makes me skip beats!
What keeps you motivated?
I work doing what i love, with no boss over my head, which usually is enough to keep anyone motivated. For my moments of weakness, i know i can always rely on the people that come and purchase my art. I never expected it to be so fulfilling, dealing personally with thousands of people that want my art in their lives. I work hard so that all my fans are happy and they pay me back with the kindest words. The feedback page has brought me smiles on many a gloomy day.
Could you share with us your progression as an artist — compared to when you first started out, how has your style changed since then?
I wanted to leave my fine art roots behind when i started creating art commercially. I wanted to play with new mediums and learn modern illustrative styles. Well, it hasn’t been too easy but i love myself a challenge! As i’m getting more comfortable with illustrative art, things have started coming full circle and it is easy to see my fine art past resurfacing in my latest art. The old and new styles melding and merging into something new and altogether different.
What’s your favourite tool?
Ah, easy question. My Wacom Cintiq 21UX. It is a pen tablet built on a screen so i can draw directly on it. Everything still starts with pencil on paper, no technology can beat that yet, but Cintiq allows me to take full advantage of my computer in the creative process. Importantly, it allows me to work faster and time is always invaluable for an indie artist.
Are you a full-time artist?
I am very lucky to be supported by my art fully but i’m still only part time artist. The other half is a part time, fiercely independent business woman managing and promoting my own business and shops without other agents or outside help. I get to have full creative control and i only need good people that want to have my art in their homes and nothing else. On the downside, i don’t have as much time as i would like to actually make new art but i’m doing my best to organise better and find more creative time.
What advice would you like to give people who are interested in being an artist full-time?
My personal philosophy is that every artwork should be a new mountain to climb rather than the same old path to stroll. Keep growing. Keep learning. If you practice hard and keep adding to your skills, your are bound to succeed. If you stop pushing boundaries and neglect your own training you risk being left behind.
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Still drawing, still making things. I have no current plans for world domination. 🙂 The list of personal projects that i want to undertake in the near future is growing instead of shrinking and i like it that way. Expect more unexpected art and goodies that you can’t live without. If i continue making things that you love, i’m happy.
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
My art embodies the luxury of standing still in perfect quiet while the whole world is screaming around you in endless circles. I want my art to be that moment of stillness in your life.
Tell us something random about yourself!
I used to like strawberry scented erasers but i lean more towards watermelon scented ones these days.
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