Creative Profile
Miss Led
Eye-catching, distinctive and playfully flirtatious – Miss Led’s beautifully executed illustrations and paintings have won her respect in many a design circle. Inviting the attention of such big name clients as Reebok, Selfridges and Diesel, to name but a few, she was the first female to win the vastly popular Secret Wars tournament in 2007. Taking time out from her insanely busy schedule, Miss Led has kindly granted us with some valuable insight for this month’s Creative Profile.
Where did you grow up and where do you now live?
I was born in South Wales, but grew up all over as my Dad was in the RAF. Not living anywhere for longer than 4 years and sometimes only 4 months in one place, spanning Cornwall, Lincoln and mid Glamorgan, attending 6 different schools and 3 college/universities. I now live and work in Islington, London.
What makes you happy?
Finding new adventures, setting myself new challenges, change, development, moving, discovery.
Are there any special projects outside the Miss Led persona your working on at the moment?
Hmmmmm, that would be telling. Miss Led is my more public persona.
Tell us about your creative background.
I studied as a fine artist and also studied and eventually lectured public art. I took a very long break from my own practice. Then Miss Led emerged overnight really.
What are the reasons for doing what you do?
I don’t believe I have a reason for it. It’s more of a need or survival. Not creating for 8 years made me very sad and I really lost who I was in many ways.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Dreams, life, human interaction, the World Wide Web, and the many art volumes I’ve amassed over the years. Fashion and art photography is also pretty massive in sending creative shivers up and down my spine.
Do you have a particular type of music you like to work to?
Sometimes I like to listen to music…. ’60s and ’70s film scores are great. I spent almost a year listening to Huruki Murakami novels… Listening to audio books whilst drawing or painting took some time. You almost have to train your brain to concentrate on something else and take the emphasis away from your art working. The work becomes something more of an intuitive exploration. Like doodling whilst talking on the telephone. Nice.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve just completed an epic design collaboration for Milan Design Festival. Working with product designer Valentina Glez. to create a Miss Led erotic-themed cut metal table, that consists of four interchangeable quadrants. It’s pretty saucy.
You’re favourite and worst project so far?
Being specific about the worst project would be unfair and I suppose I don’t have one glaringly obvious one that springs to mind. I do think it’s really difficult working with a client who doesn’t have a clue to what they require. You’re not only second guessing another person’s needs, which can sometimes put a strain on your creative working relationship, but you are expected to have all the right answers. And that’s frustratingly not always the case.
I’ve had some great projects… The first Art Car Boot fair was lots of fun, and was a great opportunity to meld art and performance in the perfect setting. Having the chance to paint a window at Selfridges was pretty defining also…
What would your ideal illustration project be?
Something big, bold and completely different to anything I’ve done before.
Your work has seen you credited with some prestigious design awards. Which award means the most to you and why?
I think it would have to be winning Secret Wars for a flash tournament late 2007, as it really instigated the big ‘push’ for me. It helped define at the time a trajectory for Miss Led and in a way helped me create a new niche.
What can we expect from Miss Led in the future?
Well, specifics would be telling, so let’s see…. I’m representing Europe for an International collaborative art project this summer. Looking into working with a new high profile fashion and style publication, on interactive sets for a video-captured fashion shoot. Talks are happening around me creating large paintworks for leading and progressive summer festivals and London clubs. And, who knows… only time will tell. But I’m feeling very positive about it all!
