Interview with: Suzie Winsor
Suzie Winsor is a freelance illustrator & designer based in the North East, UK. Her brand hosts a wide range of unique and cheerful stationery products, printed and produced to the highest of standards. Suzie’s bright, bold work sticks out BIG time. From her fun and witty phrasing, to her loud and colourful illustrations; her mind is filled with the most wonderfully quirky and joyous ideas. Simply put, her work is refreshing - and she manages to create this sweet and colourful universe, all whilst juggling work as a freelance graphic designer for other brands, and running a Floristry business, ‘The Good Natured’, (Suzie’s other venture). We asked Suzie about her creative practices, her inspirations, what ‘being creative’ means to her and we find out what culinary skill Suzie acquired during Lockdown…(it’s pretty impressive).
Could you tell us a bit about your background?
I’m a creative living in the North East. I was born and raised here, lived in London for nearly 10 years and moved back so I could be near my family, the seaside and pursue my dream of having my own business.
My time is split between illustration, floristry, planning, trying to do maths and enjoying simple pleasures. I work as a freelance illustrator and also design and create my own products and sell them in my online shop www.suziewinsor.com.
From May - October I also work creating floral arrangements for events using British Grown Flowers for my company The Good Natured.
I have always wanted to work for myself for as long as I can remember. Getting to the point where I felt comfortable and confident to do so has taken years of building experience working in different creative environments. I learned a hell of a lot along the way which has allowed me to create my own path to where I am now.
When did you decide to start creating your own work and how did you get started doing what you do?
The desire to create my own work has always been there. I’ve tried on several occasions to sell work alongside having full time jobs but to be totally honest, that didn’t work for me. I was too tired by the end of long days and commutes to try and make a go of it. It was only after years of working out what worked for me, what didn’t, learning how things work from a business perspective and a lot of trial and error that I got to where I am.
What are your inspirations?
I take a lot of my inspiration from nature, pop culture and music.
What art supplies do you use?
I like working with Posca pens, my ipad, my laptop, paper
What does being creative mean to you?
It means the world to me. That sounds super corny but it just does. I find life extremely dull and difficult without it and honestly don’t know how the heck I would operate without it.
“There is no one direct route when it comes to a creative career (unless you’re loaded). You don’t have to follow the path of someone else, ask yourself what YOU want to do.”
What, if anything, would you tell your younger self?
There are more jobs out there than the careers advisor at school told you about.
What is your favourite 'sweet thing' and why?
Bakewell Tart, iced with a cherry on top, is my ultimate. I love the textures and the sweetness. Mmmm that with a cup of coffee.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career?
There is no one direct route when it comes to a creative career (unless you’re loaded). You don’t have to follow the path of someone else, ask yourself what YOU want to do.
Do you have any favourite artists / photographers or designers that inspire you?
I have always been interested in artists, musicians and writers who have a strong autobiographical element to their work. I love work that feels nostalgic and often find myself drawn to subjects relating to identity, gender, pop culture, music, social status and the natural world.
I love listening, reading and looking at everything by Phillipa and Grayson Perry. I enjoy the photographs by Elaine Constantine, Martin Parr and Nan Goldin. I’ve enjoyed reading books by Viv Albertine, Emma Dabiri and Caitlin Moran recently...lots of people inspire me.
Aside from your work, you have a very cool quirky personal style, where do you draw inspiration for that?
Thanks! These days my personal style revolves around what makes me feel good. My style feels fairly practical, I gravitate towards certain shapes, I stick with them and then like to rotate them like a uniform. l think I will always love a well made high waisted pleated trouser - I’m thinking David Bowie in his white shirt and high waisted white trousers in the live Station to Station footage. I would like to wear a version of this outfit when I get married next year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnEc91KRKrc
I’m a huge fan of my mum’s style in the 70s and traditional, well made work wear.
Do you have any favourite designers you'd like to collab with in the future?
It’s really hard to name one person but I would love to work with an animator at some point in the future.
You grew up in the North East, are there any places you would recommend to visit for someone who's never been?
Oh so many places. I’ve only recently discovered Stanton Nursery in Morpeth and would highly recommend it for a visit. Beach wise get yourself to Druridge Bay and in Newcastle, get yourself Cumberland Arms for sunny afternoon pints.
How has Lockdown been for you? Did you acquire any new skills? Did you BAKE anything?
Lockdown has been a rollercoaster. At times it was absolutely dreadful and other times felt like it might have had a positive effect in certain aspects of my life. I managed to do things I’ve been wanting to do for years - but hadn’t because I was rushing around so much. I have almost perfected naan bread and learnt how to make pasta from scratch. I’m too impatient to do the pasta though.
Could you share your TOP 3 TIPS for starting your day off on the right foot?
Make time to do something you enjoy each morning.
A good breakfast with coffee or tea
Listen to a great tune
What are your plans for today?
I’ve been tidying the house and am heading into the garden to tidy that too.
Thank you Suzie! 🥨
Follow Suzie on Instagram
Shop Suzie Winsor here
