Chances are - if you’ve been around long enough - you would have spotted one of Bonnie’s colourful, eye-catching works that have graced magazines, packaging and posters around New Zealand. Bonnie is the talented creative behind Studio Bon, and we started following her work nearly 3 years ago, falling in love with the bright colours and quirky shapes that are reminiscent of the pop art movement of the 60’s.
Bonnie wears many hats: artist, illustrator and ex-independent magazine publisher, and we’ve been secretly fan-girling over the opportunity to work with her, so creating these exclusive Esse art totes to raise funds for Sustainable Coastlines is a little bit of a dream collab. Read on to learn more about Bonnie and our collaboration.
Hi Bonnie! Please tell us more about yourself.
Kia ora, I’m Bonnie. I’m an artist and illustrator living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I spend a lot of my days drawing and I work on a range of different projects for clients in Aotearoa and all over the world. My work is bold, bright and hopefully a bit of fun. When I’m not drawing I’m working on one of my many other creative hobbies like tufting, or you’ll find me spending way too much money on coffee.
How did you start your career as an illustrator/ graphic designer?
I studied architecture at university, thinking it was a safe choice between something creative and more ‘practical’. But when I was working in a local firm after finishing my bachelors I found myself incredibly uninspired creatively which lead me to pick up my sketchbook again. Initially, I didn’t set out to turn illustration into a full time career, I was just sharing what I drew on Instagram for fun, but when I got my first ‘big’ illustration commission as a result I started to think about how I might be onto something. That was around 5 years ago now, and I’ve been working fully for myself for the past three years.
Bonnie wears the Silk Cashmere Scoop Neck Blouse.
We’re huge fans the bold colours and shapes that feature in your designs. What inspires you and how would you describe your style?
Thank you! I love working with bold colours and dynamic shapes and I find a lot of my inspiration comes from different creative fields like; fashion, beauty, architecture as well as being outdoors. My style is ever evolving but I think throughout the different iterations it's stayed playful, bold and full of joy.
How do you balance running Studio Bon as a business while still keeping those creative juices going?
I love a good routine to stay on track but I’ve also found over the years that if I’m not feeling creative the best thing to do is step away from what I’m working on.
What does environmental conservation mean to you?
For me a lot of it is being aware of our own impact on the environment, and the small everyday changes we can make to play our part, as well as supporting and advocating for larger systemic changes. Some of the small changes that have become an everyday part of my life is taking my reusable cup everywhere, not eating meat, and walking most places (I live right in the city so have no need for a car!).
Bonnie Brown for Esse Art Tote
Tell us more about the inspiration behind the design that is featured on this tote bag.
I wanted to create a design that felt very handmade (my initial idea was to linocut the design but I ran out of time!) and was inspired by a day by the beach. Living in Aotearoa a lot of us have been lucky enough to spend summers by the beach, or lakeside, and I wanted to play into this sun filled relaxed atmosphere.
Let’s delve a little bit into fashion and your wardrobe. How would you describe your personal style?
I think like my art style my personal style is ever evolving. Somedays I want to dress in all neutrals and live that ‘coastal grandma’ life, other days I’m all about super bright colours and prints. I try not to be too swayed by trends and instead buy pieces that I know I’m going to wear for years to come.
Bonnie wears the Silk Cashmere Scoop Neck Blouse.
What are you currently working on and what’s next for you?
I have a few fun client projects on the go that I can’t share currently but I’m so excited for when I finally can! I’ve also been incorporating a lot of ‘play’ into my personal work, so trialling new ways of working like screen and lino printing, tufting and risographs. I’ve found some of my best work comes from just messing around and seeing what sticks.
Learn more about Bonnie over at Studio Bon and support our pledge to keep plastic out of our marine environment by donating here.
Portraits captured by Bonnie Brown.