Behind the Biz: Seeta Roy

Evening, pals!

We hope you’ve gotten off to a lovely week so far, and if not, then we’re about to cheer you up. This week we interviewed the talented Seeta Roy; a brilliant illustrator we discovered on Instagram (and are soon to be collaborating with).

Keep reading to find out more about the Sydney artist and how she’s recently taken the leap into full time freelancing (you go girl!).

Who’s That Girl?

Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Seeta, I am 34 years old and I am a freelance illustrator. I grew up on the South Coast of NSW and have been living in Sydney for just over 10 years now. I am currently working towards opening an online store where my illustrations will be available as wearable accessories such as silk scarves and enamel pins.

How has 2018 been for you so far?

So far 2018 has been exciting! It has been my year of putting roots down, and taking the leap of faith into full time freelancing. I have found my little plot of land, so to speak.

What’s it like living in Sydney as a creative?

The only thing I can compare it to is living in London. London is a big city that is overwhelmingly bursting at the seams creatively. Sydney is catching up; and I am enjoying it’s journey. Sydney isn’t as fast paced, which I actually prefer, it’s a little more down to earth and approachable.

What is home to you?

That’s an interesting question, as someone who has had her foot in two cities I have thought about what home means to me. As lame as it sounds, home really is where the heart is. It’s something deep down that makes you happy and comfortable and content. It’s nice because you can take it everywhere with you, like a hermit crab.

Biz Stuff

What was your professional background prior to launching your own biz?

I used to work in fashion for an online retailer as a Buyer’s Assistant. After living in London for a couple of years for a footwear wholesaler, I came back and got a job as a Studio Manager for a graphic design agency.

Did you complete any formal studies or are you self taught?

I did my diploma in graphic design at TAFE, but other than that my illustration is fully self taught. The internet is a great source of knowledge, I have learnt a lot practically with drawing, specifically as a digital artist.

What inspired you to choose a path in illustration and branding?

I haven’t stopped drawing from a young age, so it’s something that has always been a part of me. I knew I was going to do something creative with my life I just wasn’t sure what. I always had in the back of my mind that I would do illustration for a living, so it was just a matter of turning that thought into a reality.

Do you have a favourite/most memorable project?

I love drawing tattoos. I have done a couple that have just been line work and I enjoy it immensely. Seeing the finished product as well is an awesome feeling. 

What is your point of difference from other illustrators and designers?

That’s a question I am still asking myself, but someone did once say that my work looks like pop art but it’s not so “in your face.” I like the idea of subtle pop art.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out in the creative industries?

As someone that was trying to work full time and freelance at the same time, I heard so much advice that said “just do it! Take the leap!” and I agree, that’s important to do. However my advice will be to set yourself up financially for it so you aren’t struggling too hard when you start. Work your butt off in your FT gig and save your money so you can spend a couple of months setting yourself up and getting clients. Or go down to part time hours if you aren’t a huge saver.

Also, if you don’t already, I highly suggest listening to the podcast Creative Pep Talk, it’s basically a road map for anyone starting out their creative journey, and I have found it vital to my creative career.

How have you found having a store/profile on Society6? Would you recommend it to other artists?

Yes I have and I think it’s a great way to sell your art without having all the overheads of production and maintaining physical stock. Just don’t think of it as this being your primary way to make money; it’s just a nice little addition to whatever else you have going on.

If you want to go down the path of retailing products and focusing solely on that, my suggestion is to look into doing it yourself.

What is the best part about running your own biz?

Being my own boss. Hands down. Also, being creative everyday and being able to explore that creatively and deep dive into it. Making my time matter creatively, it’s fulfilling.

And the worst/most challenging?

As a freelancer, you spend a lot of time by yourself at your desk, and there’s not other creative people to bounce ideas off, which I did enjoy working in an agency. So there’s a lot of second guessing yourself. I could think something is amazing one day then think its ‘meh’ the day after. You have to trust yourself and go with your gut and be persistent a lot more.

What’s something that people don’t see/realise that you do (the nitty gritty, behind the scenes stuff)?

Admin. I love it, as it’s my superpower but some people really struggle with it. Freelancing isn’t just drawing pretty pictures all day, if you are your own business it means you are the marketer, the accountant, the office manager etc. There’s a lot of work but it’s rewarding work.

And of course: what inspires your Instagram feed?

Colour! I tend to get wholeheartedly into a colour palette because it just visually looks so good.

I love Instagram and think its an amazing platform for creative people and a great way to see other people’s work and interact with other creative minds.

Quick Questions

How do you take your tea (or coffee)?

More of a tea drinker, but a regular flat white is my go to (full cream of course)

Go to outfit

Jeans, stripy tee and a vintage blazer

Proudest Moment

Taking the leap into freelance work.

Ideal Sunday

Me and my partner on the couch, with pot of tea and biscuits, binge watching Escape to the Country and discussing the intricacies of the perfect rural home in the English countryside.

Fave podcasts/books

True crime podcasts are my jam, and for books I am a sucker for the classics.

Ultimate travel destination

I am dying to go to Scotland. I want to rent a farmhouse on a cliff overlooking the sea and walk through the countryside every day, drawing flowers and spotting wildlife.

Where can we find you online?

Instagram is probably the best place for the moment to see my work and keep up to date with my going-ons – @seetaroy