Posted by LittleMoose on July 25, 2010
For the first of our artist interview series, we're starting things off close to home by speaking to one of the founders of Little Moose and ‘Doodllery' creator Carrie Lewis.
Carrie is a 29 year old from the South of England who has spent the past few years developing her cute and quirky style of illustration, bringing it to bags, cards and jewellery.
LM: So Carrie, tell us why you've decided to start up Little Moose?
It's something I have wanted to for a long time. I'm obsessed with cute things and love the idea of discovering amazing products and sharing them with everyone. Little Moose is an extension of me - everything we sell is something that I would love to own myself.
Also there are so many other great independent designers and creators out there like me, I just think it'd be great to give people a platform to show off their work alongside brands which already have a following. I hope Little Moose will become a place for people to discover new things as well as rely on us to have the cutest things out there.
LM: You've got a pretty unique style going on, how would you describe it?
I think the best way to describe it is ‘doodling'. That's how I see it anyway. Most of the time I don't have a plan about what I'm going to scribble down - whatever falls out of my head ends up on the page - usually it's something cute. My Doodllery is based on some the characters that have found their way onto a piece of paper somehow.
LM: And what inspires you?
Oh, so many things inspire me. It can strike you at any moment in the strangest of places. One of my Doodllery characters [Colonel Bear] was actually based on a strange shadow I spotted being cast on the wall inside a cafe!
I've spent a lot of time recently, while it's been sunny, down in the garden watching all the little birds fluttering around. Generally I'm just inspired by anything small with a cute face or snout ,be it bird, bug or cuddly toy.
LM: Your illustrations are pretty cute, exactly what Little Moose is all about - is your head full of rainbows and smiles?
I wish it was! I like to escape into my doodle world where everything is rainbows and smiles as often as I can though. I love anything that makes you feel happy and cute things definitely cheer up my day!
LM: We know you've only just launched your Doodllery collection of necklaces and brooches, but is there any more Doodllery in the pipeline?
Of course! I've so many ideas for new cute Doodllery characters. I'm currently working on some little earrings and also some new character necklaces to help raise money for a couple of charities that have a place in my heart - they should be available soon!
LM: How often do you sit down to doodle? It looks like it could be pretty cathartic. Do you find drawing relaxing?
I doodle something in some way every day - even if it is only on my hand or the corner of a random receipt. Everything looks so much better with a cute little doodled character on it - even a credit card statement! Doodling's like a nervous twitch - most of the time I don't even notice I'm doing it. I've always got something odd scribbled on me somewhere.
LM: Anything interesting today?
Erm... I've got a doodle of my boyfriend on my elbow, a funny little horse badge on my ankle and next to him is a spindly little lizard.
LM: We'd love to see some of your doodles on a HUGE canvas or wall - ever thought about doing something massive?
That does sound like a challenge! I've done a couple of A3ish canvases but they took me sooo long!
LM: On that note, ever had hand cramp?
Thankfully no. Brain cramp fairly often, but never hand cramp!
LM: If you could pick one Doodllery character to sit down and eat cake with, which would it be?
That'd be a weird party. It would have to be Megabeast as he was inspired by my sister.
LM: Your sister is an angry looking, tooth baring grey monster?
No comment!
LM: Does that mean that he/she is your fave?
I couldn't possibly pick a favourite - they might hear me!
LM: have you ever had a dream about a Doodllery dude?
I did once dream I owned a tiny pink monkey. I imagine Marcel must have had something to do with that! Still it's better than dreaming about hovering or washing up.
LM: Apart from doodling what other things are you into?
I love to travel and experience different cultures. I'm fascinated by Japan, I think Tokyo would be my kind of place. I'm always planning my next adventure. I love wildlife and am starting to become fascinated with nature and the outdoors. And who doesn't love dinner dates, dvds and long bubble baths!
LM: Creme Egg or Kinder Surprise?
Without a doubt a Kinder Surprise. Yummy chocolate AND a cute little toy you get to assemble. What more could you ask for?!
LM: and finally, what have you got planned for the future?
Well, lots of Little Moose things obviously. We're only just getting started so there are so many things we have to do. I've also got loads of plans for new products and cute things that I want like to create.
I have always wanted a tiny long nosed dog as well - now I just need to convince my boyfriend that he wants one as well.