SONYA LOUISE
SONYA LOUISE is an illustrator and graphic designer.
She has a Communication Design degree, majoring in Illustration, and more recently a Master of Teaching. She freelances and works corporately part time.
My illustrations combine digital and traditional watercolour styles, to meet briefs for street installations, publication, fashion and textile industries. I work with watercolour, gouache, pencil, fineliners and Adobe Suite (for combining elements). Water, flora and movement usually inspire my illustrations and I love blending realistic and abstract elements in my work.
After graduating from design school in 2010, I spent a couple of years working with companies specialising in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) packaging, automotive aftermarket products and other retail services (alongside my illustration work). More recently, I’ve been working on branding and user experience design.
I see design as not just about communicating information visually, but also about how users experience and engage with products and services. I’ve always loved puzzles, problem solving and taking things apart, trying to work out how things operate beyond the surface. I’m interested in the functionality of things, from how a brochure is read, to how a product is used. Usability and functionality is just as important to me as the look and feel of a design.
Alongside this more corporate work, I’ve had the desire to create a brand of my own. I’m drawn to illustrative prints and bright patterns - and the thought of my drawings being printed onto fabric excites me! It took some time for the right idea to come to me, but when it did, I just couldn’t move past it.
Ostara Sleepwear was born.
I want to bring something unique to sleepwear. We spend a lot of time at home, and let’s face it - usually in trackies or maybe in some over-loved active wear. I want to design something that feels luxurious, fun and a little bit sexy. I’m creating robes that make you feel gorgeous at home (or for pairing with jeans to head down the street in) and slips that make you slide effortlessly into your sheets (or at a moment’s notice that you cheekily pair with some heels and head to a bar in).
Lots of scribbles in my notebook, talking the ear off my boyfriend and hundreds of coffees later - I’m now finalising my first collection
and planning a 2018 launch of the online store.
Ostara will begin with a range of robes and slips with limited edition prints - all designed in Melbourne. You can follow the Ostara story and check out the developing range on Instagram.
Designing Hoodie Mag has been really fun, especially because I’ve had significant freedom to contribute to its overall look and feel. I’m also really excited about being in the company of so many amazing young artists. We hope you enjoy the read! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need a young creative for a job or want to be a part of the Hoodie Mag adventure.
