Tuesday 15 October 2013

Drawing Dogs: An Illustrator Interview

 
Here at Brat and Suzie, we absolutely love finding new illustrators to bring to life some of the ideas that we have for our ever-expanding selection of animal inspired garments. When Charlotte was introduced to Ria Edmenson last New Year’s Eve through a mutual friend, they discovered a shared love of animal illustration. Adorable dog pictures were discussed, sketches were made, and now Ria’s work forms part of the current Brat and Suzie collection. We spoke to our latest recruit to find out more.




Having graduated this year with a degree in illustration from the College of Art in Edinburgh, Ria’s love for creating animal based artwork is already proving a success.  Despite one of her dreams being gaining a career in television, telling us: “I would love to work in film or TV – my dream job would be a TV presenter,” it seems that the world of illustration is a perfect match.  One of her designs for Brat and Suzie is already currently available to buy online at Asos - just look out for the adorable grumpy pup sitting in a swing and donning a blue polka dot party hat.  Make sure that you also keep an eye out for another of her creations in our soon-to-be available Autumn/Winter collection; a design featuring a French bulldog with a cupcake on his head and an “It’s my party!” caption was made possible by the artistic talents of this creative graduate. 



Delightful dogs such as those already mentioned occupy plenty of Ria’s work.  “My favourite things to draw are definitely dogs. I love everything about them – they have always fascinated me and have such in depth characters. They love you regardless, and are such beautiful creatures. They are so much fun to draw,” she says.  Her favourite breed is the bold Bassett Hound, and though she already owns two Beagles named Barney and Rosie, she has her hopes set on adding another puppy to her collection of furry friends.

It was Ria’s two Beagles that formed the name of her budding illustration company “Barney and Rosie’s” (www.barneyandrosies.co.uk). Selling the likes of t-shirts, greetings cards, postcards, cushion covers, and limited artwork prints, fans of Brat and Suzie should most definitely take a look at her solo work.  Despite running a busy company of her own, Ria was excited to work with us, explaining that: “I love that Brat and Suzie use animals on all of their clothing and it can be styled with literally anything! Plus the girls are very good to work with.”  To produce the images featured within the Brat and Suzie range, the illustrator used fine liner and watercolour (when needed) to create the designs, before simply scanning the artwork in, and editing them on Photoshop.  She makes it sound easy!        


When asked about her personal sense of style, Ria describes her fashion choices as being “a little bit vintage, a little bit Edinburgh… it ranges from Doc Marten’s with long dresses and woolly jumpers to cropped high waisted jeans, Converse and little crop tops - depending on the weather and my mood!” Whereas she details her signature methods of illustration as being “very linear; colour is used sparingly because the image is so detailed. I like to use different patterns and swirls and lines to create the different tones and textures of the dog (or animal) to match the character of her/him.”


Referencing Vic Lee and Jon Tremaine as inspiration, alongside film favourite Tim Burton, Ria tends to create her artwork whilst listening to a mixture of film scores, XFM podcasts, 80s power ballads, and a dash of Laura Marling or Dave Matthews Band.  “These are the things that help me create my pups,” she explains.  A couple of pups in particular that the illustrator has produced are firm favourites – she tells me “My favourite work would have to be my latest Christmas collection. I have drawn a Pug with a little bow on its head, as well as a happy smiling black Labrador kitted out in a Santa hat and coat… I absolutely love Christmas.



With her favourite season just around the corner and her contribution to the new Brat and Suzie collection soon to be released, now is a very exciting time for Ria Edmenson.  Make sure you follow her various social media pages to keep updated on her latest work, as more delightful dogs and incredible illustrations are on their way.

Facebook: facebook.com/BarneyandRosies
Twitter: @BarneyandRosies
Tumblr: barneyandrosies.tumblr.com
Instagram: @madteapartay
Website: www.barneyandrosies.co.uk
 
Written by Sophie Seymour.

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