Profile: Steph Baxter, illustrator & designer, Leeds
Name
Steph Baxter
Business
Steph Says Hello
Location
Leeds
Website
Describe yourself in three words…
Fun, creative, childish!
Tell us about your background…
I graduated from Leeds College of Art and Design with a degree in Graphic Design. Since then I’ve been working freelance as an illustrator. I never imagined I would be an illustrator. Originally I wanted to work in fashion and textiles (and anyone who knows me will know that that’s a completely random choice for me!) I then went through a photography phase.. Animation phase.. a Graphic Design phase.. I finally realised that illustration is for me, thankfully!
Tell us about what you do!
Well I’m relatively new to illustration, but have been lucky enough to get some work straight from college. So most of my day is spent drawing, emailing, sending out self promotional packs to prospective clients, working on briefs.. I’m still getting my head round the fact that I can get paid for drawing! I also spend a lot of time drinking peppermint tea and eating biscuits (but that’s another story for another day).
What inspired you to launch your own business?
I’ve always loved the idea of being self-employed. Working 9-5 everyday just isn’t for me. My life needs to be filled with creative, happy things. That’s my rule. I’m also pretty tough on myself so I know that I’ll get the work done, even if I’m sat at home with the TV on.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
Completing my degree and getting my first big commission!
And your greatest project?
That’s hard to say, I tend to think everything I get asked to do is great.. I’m a bit fickle like that! I did really enjoy running a fun day for children at a local library. Lots of painting, colouring-in and general mess. Ace!
Who or what inspires you?
I love having a stroll through Flickr. You can find some absolutely stunning work. At the moment I’m really enjoying the character work of Gemma Correll and the typography by Simon Wild) is gorgeous. I also love trips to the seaside and playing on the 2p machines. I love anything tacky or kitsch!
What do you hope to be doing in five years time?
What I’m doing now, but full time! With two cats and a house rabbit keeping me company, of course.
When you aren’t running your creative business, you are…?
Baking, doodling, drinking tea, hanging out with my cat, Tibby.. Watching far too much TV!
Anything exciting ongoing or in the pipeline?
Actually, yes! I have two pretty cool exhibitions coming up this year. I’m very excited and flattered to be taking part in the exhibition Lyrics & Type in April this year I’m also working on a couple of very interesting briefs.. I can’t tell you anymore though just yet I’m afraid!
Finally, any words of wisdom to other creative people?
Don’t give up! I’ve learnt it’s a lot harder than I first thought to get yourself out there and known by the right people. It’s even harder to get creative work. I’m so sure it’s worth it though. And it gets easier!
