Laura Coyle is a freelance illustrator working for over 20 years on sketches, paintings and ink drawings from Atlanta. Laura really developed her skills when she studied Adobe Illustrator, which transformed her process and appealed to her love of clean flowing lines. She is now proud to say she teaches others the power of using Illustrator. Her work has even been featured in Smashing Magazine and in the Illustrator CC WOW! Book. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Laura Coyle.
Image Credit: 1-5) Laura Coyle
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Adobe Illustrator has had a major influence on my style. I like clean flowing lines and a modern sensibility, but tempered with a little warmth and humor.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
For illustrations, I start with words, writing my first impressions before I start sketching. I also like to let ideas develop away from email, devices and the visual overload online.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
In addition to illustrating and teaching, I work as a musician, and there are so many parallels in those disciplines. My music teacher sets a great example for creative fearlessness. We work hard on technique, but he encourages students to make time daily for expression and aimless wandering. Not every idea will lead to something successful, but it’s important to suspend judgement and keep taking chances.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I try to treat my work like play. How I do that changes from day to day, but I make playful space for ideas to arrive.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
There’s hardly a roadmap for freelance design and illustration careers, but I probably thrive a bit on that. I’ve found opportunities in unexpected places throughout my career, so it’s been important for me to take chances, ask questions, and make connections as much as possible.
