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Introducing our first Artist Collaboration cover design of 2020 — Sunflowers by UK-based artist, Elena Boils. We wanted the design of the new cover to be reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s series of sunflower paintings, paired with Elena’s contemporary and experimental art style. As we venture into a new decade, we hope to carry the light and gratitude that sunflowers represent, with us.
We also had the privilege of interviewing Elena, so read on to find out more about her!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm a freelance illustrator. I currently live in London where I've been based for the last 6 years though I was born in Mexico City, where I grew up.
Who or what are your inspirations?
To make more physical work, maybe move into painting more.
What mediums do you prefer to use?
I love Photoshop and digital media. I recently got an iPad and have started playing with Procreate.
We noticed that you use a lot of interesting textures in your works. Can you tell us more about the process behind choosing the right textures?
I love using textures as I feel it really adds character to a piece. I usually find them online and mess with them until I'm happy or I make them with ink and paint and scan them in. I have a whole folder filled with them and every now and then will take a day just to make textures.
What's the best advice you've ever received in life?
That happiness is a choice and that you can't change the circumstances but you can change your reaction to them.
In return, what advice would you give to your younger self?
To not hurry things. I think when I was younger I was really worried on getting somewhere and looking back, I would go back and be a bit more in the moment.
Tell us a secret.
When I was little, and till the age of about 13, I really wanted to be a cake decorator.
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Elena is based in London, UK. You can visit her website and follow her works on Instagram.
Our new Artist Collaboration cover design illustrated by Elena is now available on our website for all Planners, Notebooks and Sketchbooks. Get one today!
