Sunday, December 3, 2023
From the Wire

Inspired by stories and funny conversations, Alex Skyrme uses illustration to bring a smile to everyone’s face

Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by the delightful illustrations of Alex Skyrme. With a passion for stories and funny conversations, Alex brings warmth and joy to her artwork. Avoiding the dull and serious, her creations are bursting with vibrant colors and cheerful characters. Based in London, Alex draws inspiration from fashion, texture, and the people she encounters, infusing her illustrations with a touch of sarcasm and happiness. Whether it’s a couple’s first kiss or a character walking a giant tiger on a lead, her pieces are sure to bring a smile to your face. But don’t be fooled by the lightheartedness; Alex also tackles important topics like mental health and trauma, always seeking the optimism and joy within them. So grab your favorite pen and notebook, and get ready to embark on a journey filled with laughter and inspiration in the world of Alex Skyrme’s illustrations.

Inspired by stories and funny conversations, Alex Skyrme uses illustration to bring a smile to everyones face

This image is property of www.creativeboom.com.

About Alex Skyrme

Alex Skyrme is an illustrator who advocates for the fun side of creativity. Her artworks are full of warm, happy colors and joyful characters, which bring a smile to everyone’s face, especially during the colder months. Originally from Blaenavon, a small town in Wales, and currently based in London, Alex studied a foundation course at CSM before pursuing a BA in Illustration & Virtual Media at LCC. She initially believed that her work needed to be serious for people to take her seriously in the industry. However, during lockdown, she shifted her mindset and embraced a more joyful approach to her art.

Background and Education

Alex Skyrme, born and raised in Blaenavon, Wales, had always been interested in art. After completing a foundation course at CSM, she pursued a BA in Illustration & Virtual Media at LCC. A turning point in her artistic journey was the realization that she didn’t have to limit her creativity to serious and somber themes. This revelation came during the lockdown period, prompting her to explore a more joyful and light-hearted approach to her art.

Inspired by stories and funny conversations, Alex Skyrme uses illustration to bring a smile to everyones face

This image is property of www.creativeboom.com.

Shifting Mindset During Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a moment of reflection for many individuals, including Alex Skyrme. She recognized that her previous belief in creating serious artwork to be taken seriously in the industry was restricting her creativity. The pandemic-induced lockdown provided her with the opportunity to try out a more joyful approach to her practice. This shift in mindset allowed her to embrace her true artistic voice and create pieces that bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Inspiration from Fashion, Texture, and People Watching

Alex draws inspiration from various sources, including fashion, texture, and people watching. Living in London, she is surrounded by a vibrant and diverse fashion scene that constantly inspires her artwork. She loves observing people and their unique fashion choices, finding inspiration in their individual styles. In addition, Alex finds inspiration in the textures she encounters in her daily life. Whether it’s the texture of clothing or the texture of a building, she incorporates these elements into her illustrations, adding depth and interest to her work.

Inspired by stories and funny conversations, Alex Skyrme uses illustration to bring a smile to everyones face

This image is property of www.creativeboom.com.

Drawing Ideas from Stories and Conversations

One of Alex’s greatest sources of inspiration is the stories and conversations she encounters in her daily life. She enjoys hearing funny and engaging conversations from people she encounters, especially those on the tube. Her customer-facing job also allows her to meet a wide range of individuals with interesting stories to tell. These stories often materialize into ideas for her artwork. Whether it’s a humorous encounter or a heartwarming story, Alex transforms these narratives into illustrations that resonate with her audience.

Using Sarcasm and Joy in Artworks

Sarcasm and joy are integral elements of Alex Skyrme’s artwork. Once she has an idea inspired by a story or conversation, she infuses it with sarcasm and joy, creating illustrations that evoke warmth and smiles. Alex believes that humor is an essential tool in connecting with others and bringing joy to people’s lives, especially during difficult times. Through her artwork, she aims to spread positivity and create a sense of happiness for her audience.

Inspired by stories and funny conversations, Alex Skyrme uses illustration to bring a smile to everyones face

This image is property of www.creativeboom.com.

Tools and Techniques

When it comes to creating her artwork, Alex primarily uses a pen and notebook to sketch out her ideas. She carries her notebook everywhere, allowing her to capture funny conversations, observations, or anything that brings her happiness. Once she has a collection of ideas, she carefully considers the color palette and composition before diving into the digital process on her iPad or Procreate. Alex’s illustrations are characterized by vibrant colors, playful compositions, and attention to detail.

Recent Artworks

Alex Skyrme’s recent artworks showcase her unique style and ability to capture the essence of her subjects. One of her focuses has been on drawing fashionable people in London. Inspired by the diverse fashion scene in the city, she creates illustrations that showcase the individuality and creativity found in people’s outfits. These illustrations celebrate the joy of self-expression through fashion.

Another theme present in Alex’s recent artworks is the expression of emotions. In one particular illustration, she depicts a simple message: “Stick a smile on your face.” This artwork represents her personal experience of trying to always appear happy, even when facing difficulties. However, Alex also recognizes the importance of acknowledging and expressing true emotions. Through her art, she encourages others to embrace their true emotions and find support when needed.

Moreover, Alex Skyrme approaches serious topics from an optimistic point of view. While she explores themes such as mental health, trauma, and interpersonal relationships, she strives to find the light and joy within these situations. By offering an optimistic perspective, she aims to inspire hope and resilience in her audience.

In terms of technique, Alex continues to utilize traditional media like pen and paper for sketching ideas and creating initial drawings. However, she also incorporates digital tools such as iPad and Procreate for the final rendering of her illustrations. This combination of traditional and digital mediums allows her to achieve the desired level of detail and vibrancy in her artwork.

Through her recent artworks, Alex Skyrme showcases her versatility as an illustrator and her ability to create thought-provoking yet joyful pieces that resonate with her audience. Her unique style and optimistic approach make her a rising star in the illustration world.

Inspired by stories and funny conversations, Alex Skyrme uses illustration to bring a smile to everyones face

This image is property of www.creativeboom.com.

Source: https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/inspired-by-stories-and-funny-conversations-alex-skyrme-uses-illustration-to-bring-a-smile-to-everyones-face/