Designer Bayley Collins lives in Grey Lynn, Auckland, with her husband (whom she married in Las Vagas last September), two cats, Ziggy and Zues, and an imminent new arrival. Combining her love of collage and illustration to create collections for her birdinabunnysuit label is her dream job.
What do you make? Collages and illustrations of animals with personality!
How did you get into your craft?
After studying I decided the best way to find my dream job was to create it. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, just that I wanted to be creative and be my own boss.
I started to make little collages. My first one was an owl with a rabbit’s body. My husband asked me what it was and I said “It’s a bird in a bunny suit.” It all started from that moment.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
Yes, I have my Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
Pencils, scissors and glue. I love to sit down with lots of illustrated pieces and see what happens and what kind of characters emerge.
What inspires you?
Animals, my cats Ziggy and Zues and stories I hear about other people’s pets.
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I’m not sure if there is a particular philosophy behind my work. I just love creating little characters and seeing other people enjoy them.
Describe your workspace:
I had a studio until about a month ago. Now my first baby is due any day so my studio space has been filled with baby related bits and bobs, and I have become very organised! I have a small desk that looks out over Grey Lynn and the Auckland CBD.
Five words that describe your mind:
Quiet, non-stop, creative, imaginative and a little bit nuts – but I don’t think I could come up with new ideas for birdinabunnysuit without being a little bit nuts.
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
“This purchase was great and made a friend who was going through some hard times very happy.”
What are you currently listening to? Angus and Julia Stone.
Recommend an album: Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone
Your favourite childhood book? The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
What are you reading now? I’m Not Fat, I’m Pregnant! by Jaquie Brown.
A favourite quote:
My favourite quote is a very simple one: “Keep moving forward.”
galleryDo you have any pets?
Yes! My two cats, Ziggy and Zues, who keep me company while I work from home and give me endless inspiration for new work.
If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
Girl in a Bunny Suit – and I would be able to talk to animals.
What was the last handmade item you bought?
A cute lion soft toy made from an old woollen blanket from Kraftbomb in Grey Lynn.
Visit Bayley’s Felt shop to see all of her beautiful prints and cards. Bayley has generously offered one lucky Felt blog reader a prize of two large prints of the winner’s choice from her Felt shop! To be in to win, leave a comment below, telling us what inspires you about Bayley’s whimsical art. The draw will be made on Friday 16 August and is open to New Zealand residents only.
We are very grateful to Bayley for answering all our questions, especially given that she’s about to go into labour with her first baby! We wish you all the best, Bayley. Despite being at such an eventful time, birdinabunnysuit will be at Kraftbomb on Sunday 29 September at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, Auckland.
Yay! That “fav comment” was from me 🙂 I have always loved your work and own a couple of prints myself. One of my friends has admired them for a few years now and, when she fell on some really hard times, I bought her three of her own. She looooooves them! I went to art school too and love supporting young NZ artists, so keep it up!!!! 🙂
Fantastic! The simplicity but quirkiness of these pictures are an inspiration and are just wonderful! 😀 I’d love to own one to put up in my bead studio to inspire me into creating something different.
I have two of your prints on my sitting room wall so this is easy. Your art makes me smile every day. They are always a talking point with visitors ,oh and my kids think they are crazy:)
I’m in Australia so not eligible for this giveaway but just wanted to let you know I just had three of your beautiful prints framed up as a series. The framer commented that he really enjoyed framing them up because they made him smile 🙂
Thanks!
I love your designs, my favourite at the moment is the cat with a mask!
Spotted one of your prints in the cover shot of the latest Homestyle magazine. Love my prints I got at Kbomb, they always get admired by visitors.
Love your quirky detailed work!
I am in my first year out of university and working. Each day I feel my creative side waning. However I have just discovered birdinabunny and I sneak onto the store during the days and my own creative side is inspired. I love looking at the pictures and being surprised and I love the uncomplicated but unexpected juxtapositions. It would be great to have one in my office permanently as a constant reminder to not let go of my creative side!
Your prints make me look at them for a long time. I would love to have my own print to look at daily. My cat refuses to wear bunny ears.
I first saw your magical work one evening at Wynyard Quarter and have been smitten since! I’m so inspired by your works adventurous mischievous innocence that sweeps me up and whisks me away to a place most glorious! Thanks for sharing your creativity! Good luck and enjoy the arrival of your wee bundle! I am sure enjoying mine who arrived in feb 🙂
I’ve loved Bayley’s prints for quite some time now- I love the cheekiness that comes through from the animals and the pops of colour 🙂
Yes – all the best for the crazy-lovely time ahead. I have bought your amazing prints before, but always as gifts. I figured now is a good time to enter to win some for my own walls 🙂 xx
Bayley, your designs appeal to my sense of humour, a little bit nutty , crazy but very very clever. You will definitely go far and you are an inspiration to others to follow their dream.
Good luck with the up coming baby .
I’ve long been an admirer of birdinabunnysuit from afar, nice to learn about the clever lady behind the very cool images.
This is too cool, Bayley.
About once a month I go on your site and look at your pictures and get excited by them. Every time it’s something different I love the most – like a different picture makes me think and feel about something different. I came here from your site tonight, where this time my favourite was the dog with the mask and cape – he makes me laugh and so happy! So good!
From GG x
I love your beautifully whimisical and unique creations! All the best for a quick and safe delivery.