Featured Artist - Deb Hudson

  • At Calypso we publish cards by artists from all over the world – tell us where you grew up and where you live and work.
    I grew up in a dairy farming community in country Victoria, Australia. I am the youngest of six children, but only by five minutes as I have a twin sister. I remember my childhood days playing with our pet animals, sheep, chickens, pigs, ducks, cows, and cats and dogs. I spent a lot of time playing on my own and daydreaming. Not much has changed! I now live by the seaside in the city of Melbourne. I love the quiet of the country but the buzz of the city excites me and I love being by the sea.

  • What is your work environment like, do you have a home studio? An ocean view? what sort of music do you like to listen to while you work?
    I work from my home studio. I’m lucky to have a very large bright space with windows facing the winter sunshine and big glass doors to open during the summer months to let in the sea breeze. I love to listen to music or podcasts or to have some noise going on in background while I draw. Or draw at a local busy cafe. The energy around me in those situations inspires my creativity.

  • How is your day structured as a working artist?
    I have three school aged children, and their routines tend to dictate my work hours. I’m thankful for this, otherwise I might not move from my desk all day. I’m a createaholic!
    I do make a big effort to go for a long walk with my dog each day. We have some lovely parks and the seaside is just a 5 minute walk.

  • How did you begin your career as an artist?
    Like most artists, I’ve always enjoyed being creative. Stationary & art supply stores excite me. I have lots of sketch books, coloured pencils, pens, paint brushes and sewing kits. I studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Illustration in 2001. Then I went through the creative phase of having my three children. It wasn’t until my youngest child started school that I found the time to get back into doing what I loved. That was 5 years ago now. During this time I took many inspiring online courses and created an Instagram account and away I went.

  • What was your first big success as an artist?
    One of my passions was to illustrate children’s books and I happily illustrated my first book in 2018. I’m currently illustrating a junior reader series and two more picture books, some coming out this year and some in 2021. I also have a range of children’s crockery featuring my illustrations on egg cups, mugs, bowls and cutlery with an Australian company. I’ve also created calendars, cup designs, cards, wrapping paper and clothing label designs.

  • What inspires your work?
    I’m inspired by many things around me, nature especially. I find I tend to draw things that make me feel happy. A big bunch of bright colourful flowers or a cuddle with a pet or some sort of fun interaction amongst friends. I love to get lost in dreamy scenes with lots of colour. My aim is to share that feeling of joy with my viewer.

  • What is your earliest memory of creating art?
    My earliest memory of creating art was when I was in primary school. I found an article in a magazine asking beginner artists to send in their work for review. I received a lovely in depth analysis of my work. A short time later I completed a project at school, where I proudly announced I was going to be an Artist when I grew up. I think I was 8 years old.

  • What is your favorite medium?
    My favourite medium is coloured pencil. I love the waxyness and the blending ability of some pencil brands. I also love working over the top with white markers. Most of my finished work however is done digitally for ease and portability. I am very happy with this style change and the digital program I use has so many lovely textures and brush types and there is still so much to learn.

  • Of all the cards we publish by you, do you have a favorite?
    My favourite Calypso card is the Australian flower thank you card. It’s just a simple arrangement of some Tasmanian blue gum leaves, jasmine flowers and some gum blossom, just some bits from the garden. With a bird hiding in there. I love creating bouquets.

  • Click here to see the entire Deb Hudson collection.