Kent illustrator Gisela Gayleard is taking the fashion, media and interior worlds by storm with her incredible ‘inky narratives’ inspired by Vintage Victorian designs and Medieval tapestries. We paint a portrait of one very talented lady…
The artistic world is always on the lookout for something different- the next big thing. At the age of just 23 and already with an impressive portfolio to her name, Gisela Gayleard could be that very person.
The Kent-based freelance illustrator has created a stunning collection of bespoke ink prints, which she dubs her ‘inky narratives’, for a wide range of industries both here and abroad. Her illustrations focus on fantasy worlds as well pieces that have their themes based on history, nature, or her own short stories.
Originally from Greenwich and now living in Chatham’s historic dockyard, Gisela can be found most day tucked away at her desk creating new designs for clients or for herself. As well as producing prints Gisela also designs home accessories including cushion covers, tea towels and cards, which she sells on her website and ships all over the world. She also displays her creations at craft fairs and markets, including regularly at Greenwich Market.
So how does someone go from, say etching the odd doodle to having the technique to create outstanding pieces of art for a living?
Gisela explained: “I graduated from London College of Fashion with a First-Class degree in Fashion Illustration 2020. I studied there for three years and am still very much connected with the university, where I recently held a workshop for the students. The university was a great place to learn how the creative industry works, and led me to starting my own business, working as a freelance illustrator.
“When studying there I based a lot of my projects on fashion subjects, I now use these themes a lot throughout my projects and I am always very much inspired by fashion such as pattern designs, the themes of the collections or the actual garments themselves.
“But I think it was my time at UCA Rochester, where I spent two years before going to London College of Fashion, that I developed my personal style of illustration.
“I work with print design as well as publication illustration, in the last year I have adapted the way I work to use my illustrations in many ways. I love pattern design and interiors.”
Gisela has produced illustrations for fashion brands as well as independent fashion companies such as Olivia Annabelle Apparel for whom she created a logo, gift cards and packaging designs. She also has clients in Germany and the US.
So how long does a ‘typical illustration’ take?
“Each project is very different and each one takes a different amount of time, from days to weeks,” says Gisela. “It depends on how big the idea is. Each piece is inspired by many ideas, which I capture in notebooks and mood boards, both analogue and digital.
“All my designs are hand drawn using traditional pen and ink techniques, which I then scan to edit digitally. It’s normally in this digital stage that I add colour and pattern. Every illustration has a vintage, traditional feel as I have aways been inspired by Medieval art and Victorian etchings.
One of Gisela’s favourite creations so far is her series of illustrations inspired by Medieval alchemy and the goddess Diana.
“This is a project I had been working on continuously on for a couple of years. It is now one of my best-selling prints and truly represents the style of illustration that I like to produce.,” she said.
“I’m also loving my current project which is one of the more personal pieces I have done, which includes a short story. The themes are inspired by 1930s New York, creative people, and interiors.”
Some artists have strict routines when it comes to their workspace. While some want complete silence, others like to have the radio rocking away in the background. How about Gisela?
“I listen to historical drama or movie soundtracks in the background while I work, and usually have one of my cats or dogs asleep nearby as company. I’m currently tucked away at my scratched and well-used vintage desk that is overflowing with books, pens, and paper.”
Like many artists Gisela gleans inspiration from her home life and community to use in her work and some of Kent’s locations and places have given her bright ideas.
“I live in The Historic Dockyard Chatham and have views of old mast ships and the 18th century chimneys of the officers’ terraces which I can see from my bedroom window,” She said. “I’m inspired daily by the history and scenery on my dogs walks around the Dockyard. The area around the ropery in particular, often used as a location for TV and movies, most frequently fires my imagination and has fuelled many a drawing upon returning home.”
When she’s not busy at her desk Gisela loves to go running and to visit museums but even then, she can’t seem to switch off her artistic curiosity. Ideas are found in everything from day trips to watching movies.
“I have been a runner since I was young, so most mornings consist of running or some form of exercise like yoga or Pilates,” she said. “I visit a lot of museums, especially when I’m starting a new project and I love European cities for the art and the food. I would say most of my evenings are spent watching films or reading.”
giselagayleard.com
