Artist Highlight: Rachel Lee

We are very excited to introduce the colourful and uplifting work Rachel Lee which draws on the amazing vibrance of the Natural World. We caught up with Rachel to find out a bit more about her, her work and where she is at right now. 

EEP: Let’s start with a little bit about your background. Where are you from originally and where in the world are you now?

Rachel Lee: Originally from Hong Kong. I moved to Sydney with my families and found my life and passion in this place.

When and how did you become interested in illustration and design?

I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. I remember that I filled so many notebooks with different characters and

strange creatures. I was a senior designer of a famous Japanese company for eight years. I am now a freelance illustrator and I found my passion on illustration and surface pattern so much.

What are some of the thoughts that fuel the direction of your current work?

I thought my work can makes people smile and use the colours to bring joy.

What are your passions outside of the studio?

Gardening. I just moved to a new house with my families, I enjoy growing plants and painting the plant pots.

So many of your designs are inspired by amazing creatures, what’s your relationship to nature and wildlife like?

I feel most connected to my artistic side when i’m alone in the Botanic Garden or walking in the hiking trails with my families. Every old tree or blooming flower seems to have its own story to tell. I’m always letting the whimsicality of the natural world influence my work.

Have you ever studied art formally? If so, where and what did you study? If not, how have you developed your

own work?

I studied graphic design in a design college in Hong Kong. But in the back of my mind I knew that my real passion was illustration, so I started to create my own portfolio and then licensing my art to the companies.

What should we expect from you in the near future?

I‘m working on the new animals collection and then will be designing my first fabric collection in the near future.

Which magazines can we find on your coffee table?

Flow.

Cats or Dogs?

I’m a dog lover.