A warm welcome to Amy Maitland
Amy Maitland was born in Canberra, Australia and since a young age, has always had a passion for anything art and book related. Living and visiting various countries over the years contributed to building an extensive repertoire of references and experiences that currently influence her work.
In 2016, Amy decided to major in Graphic Design at UNESP, in Bauru, Brazil and graduated in 2020. Since then, she has been a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. Her illustrations are a mix of digital and manual techniques, such as paper collages. She likes experimenting with different colour combinations and textures to make fun, eye-catching compositions
When did you start illustrating?
I’ve always loved drawing since I was a child but I only started considering it as an actual career after I graduated university. I majored in Graphic design but never really explored illustration during my studies. About 6 months after I graduated, unhappy with my job at a design agency, I decided to go freelance and focus on illustration, and I’m really glad I did! It’s been so much fun and I found something I love working with!
Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?
My family has been the most supportive in my illustration career. Since I was younger, my parents always took me to museums and art classes, encouraged me to create things, and really pursued an art-related career. I’m really grateful for everything my family has done for me and I certainly wouldn't be who and where I am today without them.
Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?
Yes! Wanting art to be a part of my life is what encouraged me to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. The design opens doors to many different areas, art and illustration included, so I was sure I’d find something interesting to work with that would let me use my creativity and really express myself.
What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?
I like illustrating day to day situations with a fun twist, memories and moments in my life and fantastical things like monsters. I also like illustrating themes related to my experiences of living in and visiting countries like Brazil, Australia and Japan.
How would you describe your style?
My style uses lots of shapes with sharp lines as a basis for the composition. I also use lots of textures and bright colours to make the illustrations fun and interesting.
What is your favourite collaboration to date?
I haven’t had any collaborations yet, but I am totally open to it!
What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?
I think their work with art and artist representation is really cool! They represent so many talented artists and I’m really grateful to be considered a part of this agency now! I think it’s a great opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?
My favourite author would probably have to be Haruki Murakami! I love his books and the way he mixes reality and fantasy. I admire designers/illustrators, just like Rodrigo Cordeiro, Marcos Abdallah, Paula Cruz, Lucas Wakamatsu, Willian Santiago, and Yuko Shimizu, Philip Giordano.
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
At the moment I am working on a book idea but it’s still at the initial stages.
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?
One I really enjoy (especially when I’m working) is “NerdCast”. It’s a Brazilian podcast that discusses science, movies, series, and just stories in general. It’s really funny and the content is amazing as well.
If you have any questions or a specific project in mind, please do get in touch: [email protected]
at illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.