Meet Leah Goren

Brooklyn-based illustrator and surface pattern designer Leah Goren is definitely someone to keep an eye out for.. Her style for fun and playful graphics paired with unexpected colours palettes, many would agree, is definitely a treat for the eyes, seeing as she has worked with clients like Anthropologie, Ban.do, and even had her super cool illustrations grace the cover of our favourite Frankie magazine! That's not all, you can also find her on our latest Bloesem Gazette as one of our guest contributors where she talked trends, tips and inspirations. Read the rest of it here..

How would you describe your creative or artistic process?

Every project I do starts with a drawing on paper. I then scan my work and assemble the final piece digitally. Usually, if I'm working for a client, we begin with pencil sketches to nail down the concept and layout before I start on the final piece.

What's do you think is a typography that best describes you?

I most identify with loose, brushy hand lettering. Since I draw with a brush, that's what my lettering always looks like.

I'm guessing brushes are your favourite tools of the trade? 

Yes, my favorite materials are Winsor & Newton gouache, and Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes. I love the matte finish of the gouache, and just by adding water it's easy to change the feel of a drawing. And their brushes are the best quality!

What are the top 5 design resources you gain inspirations from?

My studio mates, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Rockaway Beach, Google Images, and Instagram.

Any favourite designers?

I look at the work of artists through history more than designers. So my favorite artists are Niki de Saint Phalle, Matisse, Sonia Delaunay, Richard Diebenkorn, and Celia Birtwell. I'm most inspired by artists who use a lot of color and pattern in their work, often in an abstract way.

Share with us one of your favourite design projects and the process behind it.

I really like the tide and moon charts I did recently for a local beach magazine, Rockaway Summer. It was challenging because I needed to translate accurate charts into my style, which is often organic and free-form. My process was the same as I mentioned earlier: draw on paper, scan into the computer, and assemble the final piece. Even though parts of the illustration had to be precise, I included a border of little surfers, fisherman, and sea life to add interest.

Wow, that's some attention to detail! Do you have any advice for budding designers who are just starting out?

Make a ton of work. Not all of it is going to be good, but as long as you're making things constantly you will get better, and develop a dedicated work ethic. I always look back on things I made and think they were terrible—I just threw away bags of drawings from 2012 and earlier—but I making all that work informed who I am today.

What are your favourite creative trends?

Right now I am really into eyelet and embroidery on clothing. I always have an eye out for vintage pieces from the 60s or 70s.

Neat! What about print trends.. Any you're excited about at the moment? Or a fond favourite you have done before?

I'm not really sure what's on trend right now print-wise! One of my favorite prints I've done recently is a bathers print for Loeffler Randall—women lounging around in swimsuits and sandals. I think it will be released in Spring 2016.

We can't wait to see it.. Thanks again, Leah!

Photo credits: Leah Goren

.. Leah Goren
.. Read the Bloesem Gazette here