Artist Profile: Margot Miller

Chicken Low

Artist: Margot Miller
Location: New York City

Website & Blog:
Margot Miller
Iced Grande Soy Latte

A is for Apple

How do you describe your work, Margot?
I think my work is whimsical for the most part. I very rarely deal with negative or serious themes, and tend to create on the funkier side!

What is your creative process like?
My process ALWAYS begins with a Diet Lemon Snapple. I don’t know why, but I’m totally useless as an illustrator without it! I call it “illustration juice”. I then gather all the inspiration I can. I use any excuse possible to go to a bookstore, so I usually start there and then the massive collections come on out! I collect EVERYTHING; papers, buttons, ribbons, gems, etc. And then I take whatever materials and begin! I work about 75% digitally, but I always start with the non-digital part. I create elements that will appear in the illustration and then scan them into my computer. I like noise in the background- either television or an audio book (I’m currently listening to Loving Frank) and tend to do my best work late at night. Like, really late at night. Since I do work full-time, I no longer have the late-hour approach luxury, so I do what I can time-wise!

I also am the most creative after spending time with children! I baby sit to keep myself in touch with the population I essentially illustrate for. I think it’s my biggest trade secret- oops! I just told the entire internet!

Cow

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I have the most supportive parents in the world, and as soon as they recognized my creative side, they did everything they could to help it grow- museums, classes, workshops, etc. I think out of every official class I’ve ever taken, the way they raised me is the most valuable. I also happen to be a huge nerd (in the good way) and LOVE school. I graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in illustration and when I moved back to NYC, I started taking random classes here and there. I’m currently taking a collage class at the School of Visual Arts, which has been great!

I also have an amazing mentor, Liz Lomax. She has been incredibly helpful, always there to give me feedback and advice.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
MY SCANNER. I scan absolutely everything and keep a digital library of textures and patterns.

What inspires you to create?
This is a hard question! I can’t think of anything that DOESN’T inspire me to create. I guess what inspires me the most is children.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
My dream is to illustrate a children’s book. It’s been my dream for as long as I can remember, and when things get frustrating I just keep in mind that I am one step closer to my goal!

Starry Water 1

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
To take classes and stay passionate!

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I think I’m creating about 98% of my awake time! My full time job is accessory designer for Global Design Concepts, so luckily when I am sitting at a desk all day I am still creating!

But for that other 2%, shopping

Tin 1

What’s your favorite book?
Today I’m obsessed with Valley of the Dolls, but I’m a constant reader and my favorites change depending on the day! I love anything by Mary Karr and Jonathan Safran Foyer. Other favorites include The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, The Kite Runner, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.