Helene Hall of Heysmartypants takes her inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich culture, flora, and fauna to create her original art, which she makes into stunning prints and stationery. Her unique experiences growing up in the South Island, working in conservation, and love of New Zealand nature are the drivers for her work.
What do you make?
I illustrate New Zealand flora and fauna and then digitise my original artwork and make calendars, wrapping papers, notebooks, cards, posters, gift tags and bookmarks.
How did you get into your craft?
I have been making things since I can remember, my father is an artist so I was always encouraged to create as a child. Much later in life in my graphic design business, I started creating unique illustrated Christmas gifts for my clients, and one of them said “Oh you should sell these!” So I did!
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
No.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I love paper. Drawing on it, painting on it, folding it, cutting it and reusing it. I love that my work as wrapping papers gets used to make other creations like origami sculptures and wallpaper in children’s suitcase houses.
Describe your creative process:
Because I create my work primarily for a yearly calendar my work is structured around a theme and in sets of 6, 12 or 24. I’m a bit weird like that and I think it’s the graphic designer coming out – I like the structure of having a strong theme that makes up my work for the year. Once I have a theme in mind I will do lots of walks and research to capture the plants, trees, flowers and butterflies I want to use. I also visit libraries and museums for more history and details about the subjects I’m working on. I recently moved to Whanganui so I was lucky enough to explore the extensive public parks, gardens and sanctuary for inspiration! Photography is a big part of my process. I love taking photos and using them as my source of inspiration for painting and illustrating. My photography evolves into drawings so I have a strong style to paint and illustrate from. I have used my photography as a collage element too.
What inspires you?
Nature!
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Being surrounded by New Zealand’s flora and fauna gives me so much joy, and to be able to express that through my art and share it is pretty special.
What has been a highlight of your maker journey so far?
Opening my own gallery.
Describe your workspace:
Photography editing and post-painting for digital means are done in my graphic design studio, which is airy and light and full of native timbers! A lot of my drawing and painting is done at the dining room table in winter at night which isn’t my favourite space but it’s warm and comfortable.
Describe your mind:
Messy! Busy, complicated, non-stop, thinking in pictures.
Your favourite feedback from a customer:
I get a lot of feedback along similar lines regarding quality and my communication. “So happy with my beautiful notebooks they are so well made colourful and pretty. Friendly communication and quick delivery – many thanks”.
What’s your favourite childhood book and why?
Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary, by Cat himself 1964 – PD Eastman. I must have read this book 100 times, so many images and funny drawings, simple colour palette and so easy to read!
What are you reading now?
Beartown by Fredrik Backman. It’s not going to end well!
Who is your hero/heroine? Why?
My Mum. She was an amazing woman who gave so much and lived so much. She had a great sense of humour and a cheeky smile, I only wished I had noticed more when she was alive.
A favourite quote:
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right” – Henry Ford.
Tell us about your pets:
I have three dogs: Scrappy, Harry, and Feebee. They are all small dogs and a bit crazy, but I love them so much! Having dogs means I go to the beach a LOT! And go to places I probably would normally go to. They go everywhere with us – they are our family.
If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
Mrs Pants was the name given to me in my business life and I have kind of stuck with it in my creative life too. My superpower is to get things done!
What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
The best advice I got probably about 15 years ago from an artist I adored was to “just do it” and “don’t wait to be perfect” she was so generous with her time and very down to earth and we are still friends today.
Why do you think it’s important to buy handmade and/or locally made goods?
I love to support other creators and artists because I know what that feels like to be supported. Purchasing from someone who has put their heart and soul into something makes it feel so much more special and I have memories of when I brought it and usually, it’s from some cool market I went to. I feel good buying a NZ-made product, knowing where it was made, how it was made and sometimes who made it.
What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?
It’s such a warm validation. And to know someone gets me and what I’m doing. Not everyone will love my work and I get that, but when people resonate with it I get the big feels.
What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?
A handheld cheese grater made from New Zealand wood. I had been looking for one for ages and found this guy at a market who was making them. Loved that it was New Zealand wood and he was such a nice chap!
What’s your favourite item in your shop right now?
I think my Karo limited edition print – its my favourite painting right now. It’s bright, tall and handsome!
What’s in store for 2023?
Part of me wants a settled year but knowing me it will be filled with more creating and deadlines! We are aiming to do more trips in our caravan with the dogs to new places too.
Special Christmas offer for Felt Readers from Heysmartypants!
Purchase any of Helene’s vibrant Aotearoa art and stationery in December and you’ll get free shipping on all the gorgeous products in Helene’s Felt shop! Just enter the voucher code FREE2022 in the voucher code field at checkout. That’s a great help for the Christmas season – thanks Helene!
Purchase from Heysmartypants here »
