I first came to know Samantha Loman's work when I was younger. I read tweenmagazine Tina, Samantha Loman had a lot of illustrations in that mag. She also illustraded and wrote a lot of books. I asked her for an interview, here it is.
When did you decide to start working in this industry?
I think didn’t became a designer, I already was one. As long as I can remember I was creating things. At the age of 1 or 2 I start drawing like any other kid and I never stopped.
When I was a little bit older I start making cards, soft toys and other stuff and during holidays I borrowed my mom’s camera. At the age of 16 I decided I wanted to go to art school and applied for the academy of arts. I received my Bachelor of design degree in January 2005, but started my business in 2004.
After working a few years as an illustrator, designer and photographer it was time to push my skills a bit further: now I am studying for my Masters in Art & Design and expect to graduate in 2011.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
You can better ask where not J Inspiration is everywhere!
If I should name a few things that are of major importance in developing ideas I say city trips, I try to do this once or twice a year. I just got back from Paris, that city gives me lots of creative energy. I have shot a large amount of images that I’ll be using for a new project I am working on. It is going to be great!
I also read a lot of (fashion, photography & interior) magazines and use the internet a lot. To gather inspiration I read blogs, view work from others and read yes: scientific articles. Due to my Masters this became a habit.
Do you have idols? If it's yes, Who?
I think everybody has a few people that inspire them.
Photography: I am a fan of Tim Walker, his photos are literally fairytales. I like the black and white images from Richard Avedon, the fashion work from Oscar Falk, Signe Vilstrup and the wedding photography from Jasmine Star. She is a great person too.
Illustration: Fashion illustration from Laura Laine, Garance Dore, David Downton and more.
What makes you happy?
That’s really simple: walking around with my camera. It’s a combination of the sound of the shutter, magical light and the excitement when I have made a lucky shot! I have the same feeling when I have made a great illustration, I always print it a put it above my computer so I can enjoy it longer.
Do you have things you suggest people who also want to work in this industry?
Create, create, create and create! To become a better designer/photographer/illustrator you must practice. A lot!
Do you think it's important to go to art school?
Well to be quite honest. I have studied 4,5 years at the academy of arts and I have just finished my first year at university. I have learned more at university than 4,5years art school. I think it’s because the feedback is better, but also because I choose my own subjects and develop the artwork I like.
How did you started?
I don’t know. I haven’t got the feeling I started somewhere.
I just took off: emailed and visited potential clients, worked 7 days a weeks, practiced a lot, practiced more, developed skills and styles, bought new camera equipment, tried other pencils and paint and here I am still doing the same over and over again to become a better designer.
What is your (or one of) favorite work(s) until so far?
I think it’s the project I am working on, I can’t give you any images yet, it’s in development and contains fashion illustration and lifestyle photography.
My favorites are always the last images I have created.
What is the nicest thing of this job?
Creating: begin with nothing and at the end of the day there is this great image that came out of my pencil, camera or computer. Just magical.
Can you live of this job?
I have never had another job. Never worked for a boss, no second jobs in a store or something.
Yes I can live from it, but it isn’t like any other job. I think I have to work harder, do the administration, when I am not feeling ok I can’t stay in my bed, there are always clients waiting. Before I go on a holiday I have to work hard to finish work before I go and when I am back there is hardly time to unpack. But I can’t complain: it is still the best job ever! Or do I have to say jobs ;)
More about Samantha Loman
Fashion, medical, editorial illustration and surface design: www.just-sam.com
Photography: www.justsam.nl
Products: www.just-sam.nl
Children's books: www.lisaenlilly.nl
