As celebrated doodler and graphic designer Hattie Stewart reveals a new collaboration with quirky and much-loved Spanish Bimba Y Lola, we chat to the designer about art, politics and finding the joy in life.
How did you get started as an artist?
I have no idea to be honest; I just loved drawing as a little kid and kept on going with a few a few wrong turns every now and then.
How has your style evolved and what are your fave sorts of references or jumping off points?
It’s mostly just messing around in my sketchbook, thats where I’ll play around with different themes and concepts - over the years you can see the clear timeline of how my style has grown, changed and adapted from the the past to the present day. I’ll also at times go back to my older sketchbooks for underdeveloped ideas that may work in the present but generally my style came from hard work, experimentation, practice and failure.
Tell us a little bit about the icons you designed for the Bimba Y Lola sweaters and windows?
Bimba Y Lola is one of my favourite brands, so when they got in touch about working on their #summeroflove project I was thrilled - especially as they let me do my thing which is very rare! I felt the cheeky playfulness of my characters worked perfectly with the identity of the brand, so it was really of matter of consciously developing something that brought together 2 fun loving styles. We totally understand each other and the team were an absolute pleasure to work with.
You can buy Hattie's Bimba Y Lola sweatshirts here.
What do you think the current political climate is doing for graphic design?
Art and Politics have intertwined throughout history and this continues into our present day as I imagine it always will. People have used the tools of creative expression to amplify their voices for millennia. Many artists, particularly young artists, are becoming more confident in understanding what their work means in a wider context and the power it can have in today’s political climate, which is a great thing.
We engage socially on 24/7 platforms with 24/7 access to visual information and media, we hear stories from not only our friends and neighbours but the world, we are constantly bombarded with information which we have to break down, process and understand in seconds when other generations had years… We are in an age of learning and adaptability like never before in Human History. It’s exciting, terrifying and important. I think we can only understand what the political climate did for Graphic Design when we look back retrospectively, but for now I can say we need more of it.
Do you feel more or less empowered as an artist as time goes on?
I definitely don’t feel empowered, at least not always. Sometimes I feel like sh*t, not good enough, have low self esteem and as female artist I am not always invited into certain spaces or given the same level of respect my male counterparts are offered - other days I feel a warm glow and respect for myself and my work coupled with a strong sense of self and clear focus. Generally though, I think artists will feel empowered when our industries are more diverse, respectful and open to all.
If you had to name one key responsibility you feel as an artist and creator, what would it be?
To make people smile and to share a fun side to life.
What is your favourite thing to do for pleasure?
I have a love of vintage pornography due the design and hilariously explicit puns, so tend to go on little excursions to hunt down some of the best. Otherwise I do just draw for pleasure and in my spare time - although I am trying to get out and socialise more…
