In this exclusive interview, we delve into the fascinating journey of talented freelance illustrator Daryl-Anne Leveton, based in Milnerton, who transitioned from a career in the printing industry to pursue their true passion for painting and illustration.
How did you first get into the industry?
I studied Graphic Design after school and worked in the printing industry for many years, but my true passion has always been painting. Which is why I would love to get involved doing illustration.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am based in Milnerton and I freelance to many different clients. Some of my biggest customers are Just Great Imports and Mega Magazines.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
I’ve always loved art since a small child which is what led me to study Graphic Design as I could apply art principles in a commercial way.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Animation and character design.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I first focus on things I truly like and find beautiful; I think of ways of incorporating all those things into one image. I focus on the feeling that image will invoke and pay attention to the way that it makes me feel.
I begin by making thumbnail sketches to see which composition is the most pleasing, I use the best reference images that I can find and use those to complete the painting.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t feel that I have a particular style as I like to always try different things.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I do love the artist Dali with his Imaginative dreamlike landscapes. I also love the children’s book illustrator Lucia Dercalikova as her characters are so expressive.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Believe in yourself, don’t give up even when things feel tough. You never know where your next job is going to come from, so you need to keep a positive attitude. It’s by your sheer energy that you create opportunities that did not exist before.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Join networking groups, find online channels that advertise the kind of work you are looking for and respond to them on a daily basis. Follow up on every lead you get, keep in touch with your past customers on a regular basis and ask if they know anyone who needs your services. Update your portfolio regularly as you are always evolving.
Have a Linkedin profile. Post your services on social media at least once a week. Contact companies that you think would need your services.
Can you share a memorable experience from your career journey that shaped your approach to creativity?
When I was studying Graphic Design, there was a poster that we were asked to design using traditional media. I experimented with different media without intention and came up with an unexpected result that looked good. I learnt that you need to allow for happy mistakes and go through a process that allows for creative accidents.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
I can’t do without my Apple Mac. I love Adobe creative suite although I have started experimenting with other software like Affinity Designer which is just as good. I love my ipad as its makes sketching ideas very easy.
But having said all that, there’s nothing like an ordinary pencil and sketchbook which is where most of my ideas start.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
I love watching what other people are doing and feel inspired by them, I have many favourites who I follow on Instagram, I love going to art galleries and bookshops. I have joined groups with similar interests and always enjoy seeing what projects they are busy with.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
When my packaging design was accepted into a multinational store and has been there for over 10 years now.
As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?
AI will change the future of creativity. Although I think that people who create things the traditional way will be sought after more than ever as this will be seen as authentic.
What do you think sets apart truly exceptional creatives from the rest of the pack?
Because there are so many creative examples out there, it’s easy to be unsure of yourself and copy other people’s ideas. I think exceptional creatives trust their gut instinct and act with confidence in their ideas coming up with unique and original ideas.
How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?
Technology has completely changed the creative industry. There seems to be so many more jobs available for creative people due to social media and all its requirements.
I’ve had to learn new skills because of all the new platforms that are now required. Many of the old ways of doing things have fallen away almost completely.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
There is nothing that I would change.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
I recommend Domestika and Udemy for online learning and Drawing for Comics is a great site to subscribe to as a way of practicing your drawing skills and learning how to draw people.
