24th July 2024
Interview with Molly Beard
We sat down with Molly Beard, illustrator & watercolour artist, and discussed her journey to become a professional artist.
Molly Beard (Molly Doodle Dandy) is a self-taught artist and illustrator working from her studio in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Drawing her inspiration from the idyllic Staffordshire countryside, her whimsical and heart warming illustrations take inspiration from the everyday and finding joy in the little things.
Crafted using a mixed media of gouache, watercolour, marker pens, pencils and ink, she aims to capture life’s small but significant moments adapting traditional techniques with a modern subject matter.
What inspired you to pick up a brush/pencil and start painting/drawing?
I have had a desire to create for as long as I can remember. My Mom said even as a little girl she couldn't keep a pen or pencil out of my hand, I would draw on anything I could (including the living room walls).
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
Always. I have a desire to create everyday, it's uncontrollable. I've been doodling and experimenting since I was very young. I couldn't imagine life without it.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Join an urban sketching group or find some local workshops so you can connect with like-minded individuals and start considering other materials and techniques you might not think to try initially.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
Create for yourself and not for others. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and be spurred on by always feeling a little out of your depth. I truly believe your best work comes from fear of the unknown.
How has social media helped your career?
Social media plays a large role in my career. A lot of my repeat clients initially found me through Instagram. I don't put too much pressure on myself to create content, I use it as more of an opportunity to have fun and get creative. I love teaching others and sharing what materials and techniques I use.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
The everyday. I love to notice the little things and acknowledge the mundane happenings that often get overlooked but I think are so special and essential to our well being. Nature is especially something I continue to surround myself with, it never ceases to amaze me with its beauty and its continual changes.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
I love the Aquafine Watercolour Paints. The pigmentation of colour is so vibrant and the fluidity of how they blend and move on the page is great. I also love how mixable they are with other mediums, such as Gouache.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
I would love to try using Oil and moving to larger scale of artwork. When I create murals with acrylic I find it so freeing covering a large surface area so my next step is to create some large canvas pieces.
Explore Molly's work further here.
