Marie Ellis Feature Artist - Leona Fietz
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Leona Fietz, Brisbane
- Drawing allows me to express myself, while exploring and pushing the treatment of letters within the rules of type anatomy.
Where are you based?
Living and drawing in East Brisbane.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your work
I’m a designer, illustrator and typographer. I’ve spent the last two years since graduating teaching myself the foundations of typography and experimenting with different treatments and tools through workshops and a lot of reading and practicing. I split my time between personal and professional work, as well as exhibiting in group shows. So, my work ranges from illustrated lettering, experimental typography and digital logotypes.
How would you compare the traditional practice of drawing to the digital approach?
You can digitally mimic hand done effects, a worn texture, splatter drips or a dry brush, but it’s just not the same. I’d rather use the tool in real life, find the right paper texture, and leave room for the unexpected; you can decide to not draw up a baseline, grid or angle guide, or follow them loosely and get a really unique result. For example: I love the way a hand painted sign ages due to its environment! This gives it a story and a history. A vinyl sign would just peel off eventually; where’s the charm in that!
How do you feel the practice of drawing evolved over the past 10 years?
Craftsmanship and creative trades have become more appreciated and valued, and it shows, with more companies desiring a human touch reflected within their brand and/or products, embracing the flaws and imperfection that come with a hand rendered effect. Products like Wacom tablets and Cintiqs have sped up the creative process for illustrators, making their work more commercially viable.
Why are competitions like the Marie Ellis OAM Prize for Drawing important within Australian Arts culture?
It encourages artists to strive and work hard towards a deadline and to be seen by a wider audience.
Why is the practice of drawing important to you?
Type based illustration is the crossover between design and art for me. It allows me to express myself, while exploring and pushing the treatment of letters within the rules of type anatomy.