JeliRAD is a surface pattern designer, creating hand drawn and painted motifs for commercial use, working from Byron Shire, New South Wales. She is heavily inspired by nature and loves crafting bright, colourful and abstract illustrations. She licenses her surface patterns for use as photo art or for use on commercial products, as well as creating unique designs on a freelance basis. She also has aspirations of having IKEA use her designs on their products. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of JeliRAD.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My designs are hand drawn, colourful, often abstract & sometimes geometric. I like to keep things fresh & unpredictable by not restricting the design process with rules. My style is evolving.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Inspired by nature, photo’s, old books & magazines, I’ll do lots of sketching & also abstract markings & interpretations from my imagination. I then work in Illustrator where I start layering, recolouring, re-scaling, rearranging, until I’m happy with it.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I am currently working on some designs for my husband & his friends business “Free Man Skateboarding”. It’s great being able to sit down together & play with idea’s. I admire his vision & know they will go far. I also really loved working for my friends local business “Hewie”. It was great being able to bounce ideas off each other and be totally open about our process.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Above all, nature inspires my designs. I study the local plants & wildlife, taking home samples to fill my vases & glassware with. I love the imperfection in nature. It reminds me to be carefree & embrace the mistakes.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
One day I found Moyo magazine & a "light bulb" moment happened. I made the decision right there to be a surface pattern designer. I did ABSPD online & have done various other amazing online courses, since. I never stop learning & I love every second. Persevere & enjoy yourself!
