We recently had the opportunity to talk to Textile Design student and Welfare Officer Georgie Pardoe about how she ensures that fun is a constant theme throughout her work.
STUDENTS’ UNION: Hey Georgie, tell us a bit about the type of work you produce?
GEORGIE PARDOE: I love to illustrate! Anything fun and playful is right up my street. I love to collage and paint, but Procreate and Illustrator will always be my go to.
STUDENTS’ UNION: I’m guessing that fun and playful element is a message that reads throughout your work?
GEORGIE PARDOE: Retaining an element of humour within my designs is fundamentally important to my practice, the amusement and happiness this gives the consumer is the foundation of my work. If my illustrations make you chuckle to yourself, I'm happy.
STUDENTS’ UNION: Happy consumers make repeat consumers! Everyone needs a bit of fun and happiness in their lives, now more than ever. Is there anyone that you’ve found has influenced the fun approach you take to your work?
GEORGIE PARDOE: I love Bobbi-Rae's work! It makes me laugh and the meaning behind her illustrations is often super important, as she touches on some topics I feel really passionate about, with self care being one of them! I'm also inspired by Libby VanderPloeg, Charly Clements and Melissa Donne, all crazy talented illustrators!
STUDENTS’ UNION: On the topic of self care, what state of mind do you feel helps you to produce your best work?
GEORGIE PARDOE: I work best when I'm on top of my work and up to date with things. If I'm stressed, I end up procrastinating which makes me more stressed. It’s a vicious cycle and I've learnt to just get on with the work.
STUDENTS’ UNION: Do you ever feel like the relationship between working for pleasure and working for a grade are miles apart?
GEORGIE PARDOE: 100% and it makes me sad sometimes. I find I often rekindle my love for all things creative throughout the summer. I think it's important to create art for yourself, it doesn't always need to have a purpose and not everything has to be for a Uni hand in.
STUDENTS’ UNION: That’s great that you find the time to be able to work for yourself and bring more of that fun and joy back into your work. When you’re in the midst of working towards a deadline and don’t feel like you have the time to create for pleasure, how do you turn off from working and take some time to practice self care?
GEORGIE PARDOE: I try to get out of the house and do something for me! I'm not very good at relaxing, so I find that I turn off from work best by preoccupying my mind with something else. If you're busy doing other things then there's no time for you to worry about Uni work.
STUDENTS’ UNION: There’s no better way to get out of a bad headspace than to get out into nature and let that fresh air give you a bit of a restart. Time for our favourite question, if you had the opportunity to collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
GEORGIE PARDOE: I would love to collaborate with Bobbi-Rae, as I said before I love her work! She has created some amazing murals and I've noticed she often collaborates with other Leeds-based creatives, so never say never!
STUDENTS’ UNION: Fingers crossed that actually happens and this somehow reaches Bobbi-Rae! Finally, who or what would you say acts as your driving force?
GEORGIE PARDOE: My family. They've always been super supportive of my creative career path, even when people have questioned if it's right to encourage me to pursue design. I guess I want to prove to them that they were right to be supportive and that people shouldn’t be afraid to study a creative course! I think it can feel daunting and you'll probably have people telling you to study something more 'academic' but go with your gut, there's always more to learn and Leeds Arts University has really helped me to develop my creative practice.
If you would like to see more of Georgie's work and see what she's up to, you can follow her at, @designs.by.georgie on Instagram; and keep an eye out on our social media to find out all the fun things that will be going on during Welfare Fortnight!