Fine Art

Wellington-based designer and artist Amy van Luijk creates bold yet delicate images and patterns for packaging, textiles, magazines and more

- Sally Conor.

Hi Amy. Could you tell us a little about your background? I studied textile design in Wellington then moved to London straight after graduating, where I worked for several commercial textile design studios. The work involved really quick turnarounds and was very trend-focused. I started to develop a freelance practice through web contacts, using a more personal style. For the past six years I’ve been mostly freelancing full time, apart from a senior design role I took for two years.

What does a normal day look like for you? I don’t have a strict routine, but I go to my studio every weekday, sometimes on the weekend as well. I find my most creative and productive hours are in the afternoon, so I make time for friends and fun things during the day, then work on into the night to get everything finished. I tend to work on commissioned projects earlier in the day, aiming to have some time left to work on personal projects. I have great studio mates whom I love seeing every day, but there is something special about the times when the studio is empty. I can listen to music and make a huge mess!