Sue Bulmer is an artist creating limited edition prints, original artworks and textiles for the home from her eponymous website, based in Nottingham. Sue works from her studio situated within her cottage garden, crafting beautiful ink illustrations. She has been creating art and crafts from an early age, painting, entering art competitions and illustrating stories. She initially worked within the sciences but in 2005 pursued her dream career by enrolling on a Foundation Course in Art and Design. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Sue Bulmer.
Image Credit: 1) Deliciously Ella 2) Dee Beale 3) Jennie Jackson 4) Angie Lewin 5) Josie
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is influenced by strong line, form, pattern and simplified shapes. My current work in mainly black and white but I am working on introducing colour into my work.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Brainstorming, ideas generation, project outline, research based on collected imagery and primary sources, lots of experimentation with different media and layouts, ideas consolidation, editing and then starting the final piece.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Gillian Lee Smith, a Nottingham-based artist who I have seen develop her narrative and her work over the last ten years. I have recently completed her first ecourse, Unearth Gather Create, which has really helped me to develop my ideas and work into a new direction. She really has found her niche as an art tutor and is now teaching internationally, a well deserved success.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I look through old sketchbooks, my box of collected inspiring imagery, go for a walk, take photographs, read a book, look at my pinterest boards, read my old journals. I think this helps me to find a thread on inspiration I can then build on.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Motivation, determination, self-belief and hard work has brought me to this point in my career, as well as being able to accept my limitations and working within my means. My advice for others would be to follow you instinct, ask for advice, and be prepared for ups and downs.
