Meet Sheffield designer and illustrator Michelle Collins
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Trained as a graphic designer and a lifelong lover of the art world – particularly giants of the twentieth century Mark Rothko, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol – Michelle Collins loves to paint digitally. We chat to her about where she finds creative inspiration and her latest architectural prints.
Q: Hi Michelle, great to meet you. Have you always wanted to be an artist?
A: My love for painting rapidly progressed while studying at Art College. I was inspired by an extremely supportive team of tutors, who introduced me to the works of artists such as Jenny Saville and Maggi Hambling.
The depth of colour in Mark Rothko’s paintings is a constant source of inspiration too. My previous experience as a graphic designer gave me a real love for the minimal aesthetic, which influences my work as an artist today
Q: What first drew you to digital painting?
A: Combining skills I had learnt as a Graphic Designer with a lifelong love of art lead to the natural progression to paint digitally. I explore loose, big brush strokes alongside intricate detail and texture, to create exciting digital works.
Q: When you begin a new artwork, what’s the first thing you do?
A: Coffee and music. I can’t work without either!
Q: How would you describe your interior style?
A: It’s a real mix of old and new. I like to upcycle and love to look for unusual, quirky objects in vintage and second-hand stores. It has to be either white walls, or dark walls, nothing in between.
‘I love drawing inspiration from my surroundings – the buildings, the shapes and the negative space they create.’
Michelle Collins
Q: Which interior style tip do you swear by?
A: Mix don’t match.
Q: If you could have any artwork at home, what would you pick?
A: Anything by Mark Rothko, Robert Rauschenberg and, of course, Andy Warhol.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Cacti.
Q: You love painting city landmarks, what’s your favourite city break destination?
A: New York, without a doubt. I love drawing inspiration from my surroundings – the buildings, the shapes and the negative space they create.
Q: It’s your last meal, what do you choose?
A: Sunday Roast, with an extra Yorkshire pudding!
Q: What are you working on at the moment, any new projects on the horizon?
A: I’m currently working on a unique limited edition range, merging a steel frame with abstract artwork to create one piece. I wanted to look at different ways of taking and displaying art, and experimenting with new materials and techniques.
Being able to work with Sheffield manufacturers and the city’s rich steel production heritage is very exciting.
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