Artist Spotlight: Kelly Anna on what it feels like to have your work worn by Beyoncé

Last month, we headed down to Nicer Tuesdays, It’s Nice That’s curated monthly talks event, sponsored by Adobe Stock. Dedicated to bringing together some of the industry’s hottest creative talent, the monthly get together is packed full of inspirational talks with creatives from all backgrounds sharing the secrets to their success.

We were lucky enough to catch up with freelance artist and print designer Kelly Anna at the event, who told us how she got into the industry, her career highlights and how she felt when she found out Beyoncé wore one of her designs…

Adobe: Tell us a bit about you and what you do?

Kelly: My name is Kelly Anna and I’m an artist and print designer

A: How did you get started in the creative industry? Did you always know you wanted to be a print designer?

K: I started out as a fashion illustrator and then I fell into print whilst being at London Fashion Week because I used to live illustrate at the fashion shows.

A: How did that opportunity arise? How did you get started illustrating on the Front Row?

K: When I was studying, I won a competition to live illustrate and that’s basically how I got into live fashion. When I graduated I managed to land the role as Head Print Designer at Illustrated People.

A: Who would you say inspires you? Past or present?

K: Oh my dad. My dad has been my biggest inspiration, he’s an artist himself so he’s a big inspiration to me.

A: If you had to describe your signature style, how would you describe it?

K: Graphic, bold and colourful.

A: When you’re pulling together new ideas, do you have any go-to tools that you use?

K: Yes, my go-to tools are lots of collage, lots of Windsor & Newton Pens, I love those pens and even mixed media, but lots of drawing.

A: And have you got a favourite project that you’ve worked on over the years?

K: My favourite project to date has been my work for Nike Women – they’ve been one of my favourite brands from day one. They asked me to create and install an activation for International Women’s Day which was an amazing opportunity.

A: When you worked at Illustrated People your prints were worn by Cara Delevingne and Beyoncé, how does that feel?

K: Amazing, I actually didn’t know until I got a text from a friend telling me that Beyoncé was wearing my top and I was like ‘are you actually joking me?!’ but it felt amazing because you see your work going from the sketchbook to being worn by your favourite artist.

A: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received over the years?

K: Don’t give up. I know that sounds really cheesy but don’t give up because it can take a long time to get your foot in the door in this industry.

A: What’s next? Have you got any exciting projects in the pipe line?

K: Very excitingly, there are some really big projects coming up which I can’t talk about just yet but I will say I’m releasing my first colouring book, it’s called ‘Super Female’ and it came about off the back of an event I hosted for International Women’s Day and so I took it upon myself to create a colouring book.

A big thank you to Kelly Anna for sharing her insights with us. Keep up to date with Kelly’s whereabouts and upcoming projects on Instagram and on her website. You can also buy ‘Super Female’ here, so get colouring!

Click here to watch all previous Nicer Tuesdays talks and to see when the next Nicer Tuesdays event is taking place. Stay tuned for more Artist Spotlights on Creative Connection over the coming months.