Step into the playful and colourful world of Susie Hammer

Playful, bold, and filled with joy, Susie Hammer 's illustrations are a much-needed splash of colour during London’s dark winter days. From designing interactive museum spaces, illustrating board books for toddlers, through to creating vibrant patterns for kids’ fashion, her work will likely spark smiles on children and adults' faces alike. Passionate about healthy eating and animal rights, she dreams of crafting a colourful, engaging project that teaches children about good food habits and well-being. Inspired by everyday moments and her ever-growing garden in the house she's currently renovating in Warsaw, she weaves warmth and playfulness into every illustration.

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why? 

One of my favourite works was a Playground project for the Contemporary Art Centre in Murcia (Spain). I had an opportunity to design and create a space for exploration and play for kids, where the illustration went beyond the frames of paper and two dimensions. Such a great experience, the whole process from the first sketches and timid ideas to a museum white cube full of children playing freely among my illustrations. The room was filled with colours and shapes and the children could play in their own way, inventing their own games and rules for the museum exhibition and I could see the little creatures interact with my project (which was super interesting!). For me it was a great opportunity to work in a completely different context and face a completely different format… and a lot of fun of course! 

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration? 

I think inspiration can come at any moment from the most unexpected places! nIt's always good to look for inspiration in unknown areas of the world and interests, but also looking more carefully at our everyday moments could be very inspiring. You can get very inspired just walking with the dog or shopping at the local market…I usually find inspiration in the shower. Also, I have my special treasure box where I collect various beautiful leaflets, brochures, postcards and clippings from my travels, exhibitions and flea markets. Sometimes I go back to them for ideas and inspiration. 

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

These are definitely animal rights and issues related to meat consumption and factory farming. Considering the well-being of animals, the planet and therefore ours, a lot should change quickly in this area and people should become more aware of it. I have been a vegetarian for many years and would love to be an advocate for this case. Plant based diet (even partially) is delicious and more empathetic with the world.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you. 

That's a difficult one! It's not easy to look at myself from the side and see what makes me stand out among so many different styles and ways of illustrating. But I know that I would like my illustrations to be distinguished by joy and simplicity.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)? 

I made a lot of collaborations with kids fashion brands, designing prints and patterns. I had a lot of greeting card assignments. I also made several board books for toddlers and activity books. 

How would you describe your style? 

I would say that I use simple, bold and unfussy shapes and vivid colours to create a fun-filled world, trying to make children and adults smile. 

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you 

My dream project would be a project for children about healthy eating. It could be a book / a social campaign / an activity / game that shows kids in a fun and accessible way about what to eat and how to eat to nourish our body and mind. Colourful educational materials full of crazy vegetables, nuts, seeds teaching about how what we eat affects our state of mind and health. I think it is extremely important to shape good eating habits from a young age, and besides, I love drawing all kinds of food. How fun and important it could be. 

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us? 

Of course, but my personal project has nothing to do with the illustration… Last year I inherited a tiny house with an old garden in the countryside from my grandfather. Since then, my husband and I have been dedicating every free moment to its renovation and learning how to grow and take care of plants… it's a very engaging activity, I just got crazy about gardening! 

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be? 

It would be my lovely grandmother.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

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