Eloise Short is a textile designer and illustrator, working with some of the world’s biggest brands and creating a number of children’s books in recent times. Growing up in Brisbane, Eloise immersed herself into arts and innovation, developing a love for creativity from a young age.
Through her experiences, Eloise has developed a clear perspective on her work and a commitment to always honing her craft.
“You reach certain milestones and you think that it’s going to feel like success…but all of a sudden, you start striving for the next goal,” Eloise said.
“I’ve come to realise that success is actually a whole lot of little achievements put together over many years. There’s not one kind of defining thing that makes you feel as though you’ve achieved a level of success in your industry.”
Attending art college in her twenties broadened Eloise’s horizon and uncovered a love for textile design, which she carries through to this day.
“My idea of being an artist evolved into being a textile designer…that has actually suited me much more over the years than being a fine artist or contemporary artist,” Eloise said.
“Art college opened my eyes to the fact that art was actually about much more than how well you could draw or paint. It taught me about the bigger picture of art…consequently I realised that design was more suited to me and my ability.”
More recently, Eloise has moved into illustrating children’s books. Collaborating with local author Jodie McLeod on Leonard the Lyrebird and Lilah the Lyrebird, she has embraced the fresh change that illustration has provided.
“Leonard the Lyrebird was the first book I had ever worked on, which was great,” Eloise said.
“Illustration changed things for me. Even now I am much more willing to create an entire piece of artwork from hand, which is fairly uncommon these days. It definitely changed the way I work.”
With a vast array of experience in the industry, Eloise now encourages prospective designers and illustrators to back themselves, have clear priorities in their work and embrace the experience along the way.
“You definitely have to take ownership of your life decisions. Working out what you don’t want, is as important as working out what you do want,” Eloise said.
“Getting some experience with another company is really important…but it is also important to go off and do your own thing.”
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