Studio Sue’s tagline is to “create moments of joy”. One glimpse at Auckland-based artist Sue Pat’s whimsical illustrations of animals, botanicals or sweet Christmas imagery and the sense of delight leaps off the page.
Now on her 10th stationery collection, Sue’s desire to share and create joy is showing no signs of slowing down.
How did you get into illustration?
As a child, I was always drawing and creating. One of my early memories is painting a picture of my mum in her brown dress surrounded by flowers at kindergarten. I remember all the teachers crowding around to look at my artwork and showing my mum when she picked me up.
When I discovered what a graphic designer was at intermediate school, I knew straight away that’s what I wanted to be. I studied graphic design at Auckland University of Technology, and while I majored in design in my final year, my work always incorporated illustration.
When and why did you start Studio Sue?
Once I graduated, I had a career as a graphic designer working in various design and advertising agencies. While I loved designing for clients in the commercial world, I missed illustrating. I felt that my sense of fulfilment was incomplete without illustration.
Planning my wedding sparked my creativity. I thoroughly enjoyed designing all the little details, particularly our invitation, as it gave me the opportunity to illustrate.
I ambitiously illustrated a 16-page book sharing our story and inviting our guests to be part of our next chapter. Planning our wedding encouraged me to pursue my passion for illustration. It also ignited the idea of starting my own business, although I was initially unsure about what I wanted to create.
When I eventually considered stationery, it felt like the perfect fit. Stationery combines my love of design and illustration. I launched Studio Sue in 2015, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling things I have done.
Describe your creative process.
I often start with a brainstorm and some rough drawings in my sketchbook. Once I have my concept, I work on my composition and source the right reference images. After that, I will start illustrating in Photoshop with my tablet and digital pen. As a finishing touch, I like to integrate hand-drawn sketches into my illustrations.
What inspires your style?
I think my illustration style reflects how I naturally like to illustrate. While I sometimes wish it were quicker to achieve, omitting the intricate details would leave it feeling incomplete. Plus, adding all the details is the fun part. When you stay true to yourself, you’ll develop your unique style, which is important as an illustrator.
Your Christmas collections are always so beautiful. Do you consider them a big part of your business model?
Definitely. Christmas is a time for connecting with others and people are willing to spend a little to make it special. As a result, my cards and gift tags are always popular during this time. For many small businesses, the Christmas season is when we make the bulk of our sales.
During the years when my son was younger and throughout the Covid lockdowns, my time to work was limited. However, I always ensured I created a new Christmas collection each year.
What is this year’s theme inspired by?
This year’s theme is “The Christmas Village” – it is my 10th collection. It is a charming series of boutique shops that I envision in an enchanting Christmas village. There is a post office, Mrs Claus’ bakery, a florist and a stationery store.
My six-year-old son gave me the idea for the stationery store – why didn’t I think of that myself?
What does the Christmas season typically look like for you?
My Christmas season is always busy and a little chaotic, especially if I’m doing a lot of markets. Last year I did markets every weekend in the lead-up to Christmas. Amongst it all, I also try to soak up the festive atmosphere and magic with my son.
I like this endearing quote, “Behind all the Christmas magic there’s a mum who loved you so much”. I love experiencing Christmas through my son’s eyes and creating special little traditions with him. Hopefully, these become beautiful memories for him to cherish.
You sell at a lot of markets. What’s your favourite part of that?
While I love working at home, I miss the social interaction. That’s why my favourite part of the markets is meeting and engaging with people. I have the loveliest customers who keep me inspired. I enjoy connecting with other stallholders as well since they are also pursuing their passions. The markets are a delightful community to be part of.
What would you like to achieve with Studio Sue?
I want Studio Sue to be known for beautiful stationery that brings moments of joy. Whether it is a greeting card for a faraway friend, a gift tag on a surprise present for someone special, or a planner to help make your dreams come true. I would also love to expand my range, I have so many ideas I can’t wait to create.
Find Sue’s work at studiosuedesigns.com, or follow her @studio_sue
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