South London-based artist and print designer, Kelly Anna, merges arts, fitness and culture with beautiful authenticity across her work. Empowering art with a colourful identity, Kelly Anna has used life and movement to create real synergy between contrasting Sweet & Salty flavours.

Q: What’s your background? How and when did you decide to become an illustrator?

My background has predominantly been in art, dancing and fitness. My father was an artist and dancer himself so I’ve always been surrounded by it. I decided to become an illustrator quite early on, but that definitely doesn’t mean that the journey has been straightforward!

Q: How did you develop your style?

My style has developed over time. As an artist, we record the world we live in. So as the world changes, styles change too. I find this really exciting and love seeing some of my favourite artists and illustrators move outside their comfort zones. It feels slightly uncomfortable but it’s so brave and exhilarating.

Q: Who are your artistic influences? What have you read or seen that has most influenced your work?

My number one influence has always been my dad. His confidence in mark making will always stick with me and has always influenced my work. I also really enjoy looking at different art forms, from architecture, still life fashion photography and ceramics. I think it’s a really good idea to see your work in different forms.

Q: Where do you get your motivation and ideas from?

I enjoy the creative process so much that it’s the one thing that motivates me. I also workout a lot and use the sessions to get myself pumped for the project in front of me.

Q: What’s the inspiration behind your Sweet & Salty illustration?

I really wanted to understand what Sweet & Salty looked like. They’re such opposites, but the flavours work so well together. I wanted to create the Sweet and Salty Ying and Yang. It’s my favourite flavour so I tried to marry this passion and create life, colour and movement between the two.

Q: What’s your favourite part of your Sweet & Salty illustration?

My favourite part about the illustration is the fact that it has its own energy. I really love the synergy between the two sides.

Q: Tell us an interesting fact about your Sweet & Salty design

The entire illustration started out as paper collage. I love working in collage and being able to use this medium as part of the project gave it the authentic feel it deserved!

Q: Sum up your Sweet & Salty illustration in 3 words

Bright, bold and energetic.
Q: What do you love most about PROPERCORN and your chosen flavour?

PROPERCORN is my absolute favourite! I’ve always been a massive fan so when I got asked to do Sweet & Salty (my favourite flavour)… I was so excited! Q: How many iterations did it take before you came up with your final design? It took a while to get to the final design. But, like most jobs, the further a piece of work is pushed (in the right direction), the better the outcome!

Q: What do you do to overcome creative blocks?

Creative blocks happen all the time, especially if you are working as a creative everyday. So I’ve just learnt to switch off. I usually go for a run and listen to my favourite track or think about what I’ll be doing on the same day in three years time. This helps me forget about the present, which can often feel a little overwhelming and cause those blocks.

Q: What’s next for you?

I have a few exciting things lined up including my first solo exhibition in Spring which I am really looking forward to.

Follow @kellyannalondon to see more from Kelly Anna.

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