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Artist in focus with Karli Florence Fallon of Honeymoon Hotel and Flower Love Child

Artist in focus with Karli Florence Fallon of Honeymoon Hotel and Flower Love Child

Posted by East End Prints on 24th Mar 2020

We have been supplying art prints to international brand Urban Outfitters for a good while and have been delighted to offer there platform to some of our artists. Latest to land in their collection is the effortlessly cool work of design house Flower Love Child. Karli Florence Fallon is the best selling artist behind the alias who incidentally also designs the heavy weight bestselling range by Honeymoon Hotel. Karli's diverse designs are consistent top sellers and its easy to see why. Whether you're in need of a soft pinks for a feminine palette or some uplifting typographic motivation she is the artist you will want to check out. Catch up with the thoughts she shared with the folks over at UO Culture below...

If you could own one piece of art what would it be (what, who and why?)

There is a collage artist I admire called Joe Webb, his piece, Aligned is something I obsess over regularly. It depicts a woman holding the universe in her hand and it’s a beautiful reminder for us females that anything is possible. His work is created from vintage magazines and print and I love that he is creating something fresh from something old, it is repurposing at it’s finest.

Tell us about your journey into the art & design industry…

I studied fashion knitwear at university and after graduation I worked as a ladies wear designer for a number of companies dotted across the country. I found designing fast fashion didn’t sit well with me because I cherish the freedom of being able to create what I love, not what was expected to sell.

In 2011, slightly broke and completely uninspired by my job, I began designing prints for my friends. What began as a small, side-line project as a means to make ends meet soon gained some momentum. At the time I had zero experience in print or the fulfilment side of things and so I joined forces with my Husband who’s background in graphic design and print was the perfect ‘marriage’ between my creativity and his knowledge of the industry. We were able to create a vocation that worked for us and around us as parents; I am grateful every day that we managed to carve out our dream career and live through it side by side.

Where do you go for inspiration?

The female form, the stories I hear, the people I am surrounded with and their love stories, their emotions. All those elements find a consistent place in my work. I like to soak life up and use something that is readily available as my inspiration as I believe depicting life itself can often have a more powerful result.

What do you do to help you focus on your work? (Listen to music, meditate, go for inspirational walks)

I take a break! I have a very over-active mind and I believe stepping away from your work can be the best antidote to creative block. I love to walk and be around nature, get some fresh air and finish with a spot of yoga. I’m a strong believer in meditative practises and I find that there should always be a balance between hard graft and being able to switch off at the end of the day, taking time alone is all you need sometimes.

Tell us about your studio - how do you like to work?

I have a studio at home which is where I create and escape to. It’s very homely and I’ve made it so I’m surrounded by objects I love and my favourite books, that way if I hit upon a block I can lock the door take a moment - something which can be difficult when you’re a mother of two young children. We also rent a studio away from home from where we print and fulfil our orders, I think it’s important to keep the manic side of business separate to the creative side and having both spaces allows this.

What does your normal day look like?

I rise early to squeeze in as many espresso’s before my children wake up, it’s crucial that I have at least an hour to potter about the house on my own as I like to break into each day unrushed. I usually check emails and catch up on our social feeds prior to the rest of the family waking up then it’s outright MANIA (feeding and dressing two reluctant boy’s in time for the school run induces more stress than running an actual business - as I’m sure many can identify with :))

Each day in the studio is completely different from the last, we literally never know what to expect. Working for yourself certainly has its moments. We tend to tackle all correspondence and fulfilment early doors and then use what’s left to work on creative projects and briefs. I find that a lot of work comes home with me because there is never enough hours in the day.

Once the boy’s are settled into bed my favourite hour of the day ensues which involves me, my laptop and a glass of Malbec. Work never feels like a duty for me so I look forward to tying up anything I missed later in the evening to make way for peaceful sleep knowing that what I set out to do that day was complete.

Sum up your style of work 3 words…

Emotive. Feminine. Minimal.

What media do you use to create your art - talk us through your creative process

I sketch and paint and then scan anything that shows promise into my Macbook. I then use Adobe Illustrator to tidy up any line work to achieve a more crisp finish.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m currently getting our blog / journal up to date for our new website. I’ve always been slightly too laid back on this side of things and one of my goals for 2020 is to communicate more honestly and personably with our followers.

The last book I read was…

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Based on ancient teachings, the book breaks down the key to finding and maintaining happiness in four basic teachings. I think it’s principles are incredibly relevant to today and achieving happiness and freedom in such a strange social climate.

When I was younger I wanted to be…

An Archeologist... which was an outrageous statement because I’m like a bull in a china shop most of the time.

Thank you to urban Outfitters for this content and interview - you can read their article on Karli here in UO Culture - https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/uo-culture-meet-the-artist-honeymoon-hotel