Take one look at Nicola Jane’s Instagram and you’ll see a feed satisfyingly filled with pastel hues and detailed, unique illustrations of beauty products and very stylish individuals. The Brisbane-based illustrator and graphic designer first made a name for herself illustrating her favourite fashion brands and influencers for fun, soon turning it into her full-time job.
In celebration of our latest Adriana Picker-designed limited-edition products – Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition and Jurlique Rose Luxe Edition Hand Cream – we spoke to Nicola about her own creative process and how she incorporates the products into her own daily routine.
Tell us about your work and what you do
I am a digital illustrator and graphic designer. I create custom illustrations for brands’ social media, product packaging and textile prints, as well as creating unique brand identities for start-up businesses.
How did you get into this position?
I was creating illustrations as a hobby outside of my full time marketing job, and had an Instagram that I was posting my creations on. The Instagram quite quickly grew a little following, which led to brands approaching me to create artwork for them. After about a year of doing this on the side of my 9-5, I left by job and made my hobby a full-time business.
Bottles of face mist and hand cream next to paintings
Describe your process when it comes to your work – how do you tackle a new project?
The first thing I do before starting a project is make a mood board of inspiration. I always feel super inspired after scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for imagery inspo, and by having a mood board in place to refer back to keeps me on track throughout the design process.
What challenges do you face in your work?
The biggest challenge for me is working alone, I often feel like I need someone to bounce ideas off, or to get a second opinion on what I am doing, especially when the self-doubt creeps in.
What do you find most rewarding?
I just love being able to bring peoples’ vision to life! It makes me so happy when the client loves the work I have created for them.
Bottles of hand cream and face mist next to illustrated packaging
When you’re experiencing a creative block, how do you get out of it?
I find that if I am experiencing a creative block it’s usually because I’m stressed or haven’t slept enough so I allow myself to take the time to unwind, go for a walk, catch up with friends, or even have a nap. Doing things to clear my head so that there is room for creativity.
What advice would you give to others who are looking to explore their creativity?
Find a creative outlet that brings you joy and make time for it. It could be drawing, writing, cooking, anything! It doesn't matter if you are not the best at it, to try and fail is better than never trying at all.
Talk us through how you use your limited edition Jurlique products throughout your day
I keep both of the products at my desk for easy access throughout the day (and because they look beautiful sitting there). It’s so hot here in Queensland that I love to use the Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition throughout the day to freshen up. Both products leave my skin and office smelling like roses, it’s so lovely!
View more of Nicola’s work on her website and Instagram.
In celebration of our latest Adriana Picker-designed limited-edition products – Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition and Jurlique Rose Luxe Edition Hand Cream – we spoke to Nicola about her own creative process and how she incorporates the products into her own daily routine.
Tell us about your work and what you do
I am a digital illustrator and graphic designer. I create custom illustrations for brands’ social media, product packaging and textile prints, as well as creating unique brand identities for start-up businesses.
How did you get into this position?
I was creating illustrations as a hobby outside of my full time marketing job, and had an Instagram that I was posting my creations on. The Instagram quite quickly grew a little following, which led to brands approaching me to create artwork for them. After about a year of doing this on the side of my 9-5, I left by job and made my hobby a full-time business.
Bottles of face mist and hand cream next to paintings
Describe your process when it comes to your work – how do you tackle a new project?
The first thing I do before starting a project is make a mood board of inspiration. I always feel super inspired after scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for imagery inspo, and by having a mood board in place to refer back to keeps me on track throughout the design process.
What challenges do you face in your work?
The biggest challenge for me is working alone, I often feel like I need someone to bounce ideas off, or to get a second opinion on what I am doing, especially when the self-doubt creeps in.
What do you find most rewarding?
I just love being able to bring peoples’ vision to life! It makes me so happy when the client loves the work I have created for them.
Bottles of hand cream and face mist next to illustrated packaging
When you’re experiencing a creative block, how do you get out of it?
I find that if I am experiencing a creative block it’s usually because I’m stressed or haven’t slept enough so I allow myself to take the time to unwind, go for a walk, catch up with friends, or even have a nap. Doing things to clear my head so that there is room for creativity.
What advice would you give to others who are looking to explore their creativity?
Find a creative outlet that brings you joy and make time for it. It could be drawing, writing, cooking, anything! It doesn't matter if you are not the best at it, to try and fail is better than never trying at all.
Talk us through how you use your limited edition Jurlique products throughout your day
I keep both of the products at my desk for easy access throughout the day (and because they look beautiful sitting there). It’s so hot here in Queensland that I love to use the Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense Deluxe Edition throughout the day to freshen up. Both products leave my skin and office smelling like roses, it’s so lovely!
View more of Nicola’s work on her website and Instagram.