Talking To: Libby Parfitt
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Libby Parfitt and I’m a graphic designer and illustrator based in Bristol. I currently work 9-5 as a graphic designer for two magazines, but my side hustle and main passion is illustration, so I take on freelance jobs and personal projects in my own time. I like to draw, paint murals and sew things.
Tell us about your art!
My illustrative style started off by just drawing by hand but in the last few years I’ve taken to drawing digitally after teaching myself to use illustrator.
What has been your favourite project to date?
Probably the map and mural I did for YO Arts Fest. I illustrated a local map of creative places around Bristol for young people to refer to when trying to get help with their creative careers. After illustrating the map I painted a mural to go with it across three walls in their meeting room in Redbrick House (St. Paul’s). It was my first indoor mural!
You have such a colourful and playful style - has this always been the way or has your style evolved?
My style has always been quite colourful, but I think it’s become more playful over the years. Back in college I used to want to be able to draw realistically and disliked my drawings of people because I was unable to get the proportions correct, but I’ve come to realise that doesn’t matter and have fully embraced my style being pretty simplistic and quirky. Over the last few years I’ve also definitely developed a bit of a colour palette – I love blues, teals, pinks and oranges – as you can probably tell.
What influences your art? Who inspires you?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Kate Moross, Mike Perry and Kate Bingaman-Burt. I guess I really like graphic-y illustrations. If I’m starting something new I find scrolling through Pinterest can help me get inspiration, or chatting to someone about my idea is always good.
What has been your best moment of doing what you do?
There’s been a lot of positives so it’s hard to choose but getting my degree in Graphic Design was a huge achievement. I’ve also done various projects for CIC’s within my local area, which has been really rewarding to work with people who help the local community. I’d love to do more community-based art and design work.
What tips do you have for other creatives?
Utilise the internet! There’s always tonnes of competitions, exhibitions, magazines, courses and talks that you can enter/be a part of/submit work to/go to. I like to use Facebook to see what opportunities are in Bristol and try to keep my eye on what’s on in galleries.
How important is creativity in your life?
Very. I honestly don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t able to create. I feel very fortunate I am able to have got a job doing something creative that started as a hobby.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give her about what you do now?
Have more confidence in your work. And stop leaving every deadline until the last minute!
What gets you out of a creative block?
Flicking through books, scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram and chatting about my ideas with my mates or my Mum. Sometimes though, if I’m really struggling with a bit of a block, I have to just leave something for a day or two and come back to it.
Find out more about Libby on her Instagram.