Artist Spotlight: Yasmin Smith Design
February 14, 2023
Introducing artist Yasmin Smith. Learn more about her, her inspiration and her work.
We recently sat down with Yasmin Smith Designs to discuss her artistic journey, what inspires her and how it is never too late to start your own creative journey. Yasmin gives us insight into her artworks, what materials she uses and advice she wished someone would have given her at the start of her artistic pathway. Let’s take a dive into her world.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am an illustrator and textiles designer from the south coast of the UK. I am trained professionally in Textiles Design and up until recently was the Head of Design at a furnishings fabrics company. I started drawing more recreationally during the lockdowns of 2020 and my prints business was born from the first set of drawings I created. I’ve been posting and sharing my process on my Instagram ever since!
How long have you been an artist?
I’ve created for as long as I can remember. Drawing has always been a huge part of my life but it wasn’t until I decided to study Textiles Design at University that I really took it seriously as a career option. I’ve been designing and creating professionally for the best part of ten years now and have recently taken the leap into freelance full time.
What are your favourite materials?
Arguably, marker and fineliner pens! In particular, Winsor & Newton Promarkers. I use these almost exclusively for all of my illustration projects, the detail and range of colour you can create is exceptional. However, I also love to dabble in a little gouache and acrylic when I’m painting, usually for my textiles designs. I love the different looks, textures and patterns you can create with these!
What inspires your work and do you have a favourite piece?
Mother Nature is always my biggest inspiration, florals and fauna are at the heart of all of my pieces. Especially those from more tropical pastures, that’s where my love of nature and colour collides. I love to draw wildlife, particularly birds. I would say I have a soft spot for all of my animals but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be the hummingbird.
What tips would you give to people looking to start their artistic journey?
Firstly, enjoy what you do! I think we can lose sight of this as artists, especially when we’re trying to earn a living from our craft. Fuelling the passion and having fun should always be number one priority. I also think it’s important to be bold and take risks, I know it sounds like a cliché but until you’ve experimented, you’ll never know what your unique and true artistic style is. I spent a long time sticking to what I thought I liked best and wished I’d pushed myself sooner!
Is there anything you wish someone would have told you when you started out?
Comparison is the thief of joy. Be confident in yourself and your own unique talents as an artist. Also, get your work out there! Document all that you can and post about it - the more people that see your work, the better. I love to use social media, especially Instagram, not only to share my art but also to connect with other creatives.
Are there any brands or other artists that inspire your creativity?
My inspiration comes from all avenues of the creative industry, so this is going to be a tough one to narrow down! Fine artists and illustrators from the likes of Katie Scott and Kristijana Williams to the classics - Ernst Haeckel, Henri Rousseau and of course, Beatrix Potter, to name a few! In the world of textiles, brands such as Degournay, House of Hackney and William Morris are also a firm favourite for me. I will also say that my peers are often my biggest inspiration, surrounding myself with a beloved creative community has been integral to my artistic journey.
We wanted to say thank you to Yasmin for taking the time to speak with us. We learned a lot about her but also the artistic community through this chat. Like Yasmin, we encourage you to believe in yourselves no matter where you are on your creative journey. If you’d like to learn more about Yasmin or say hello, you can find her on Instagram @yasminsmithdesign.
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