Tell us about your work about & what medium do you use?
I really like focusing on illustrating people, mainly more feminine figures, aiming to empower women through illustration. I often experiment with different styles of illustration depending on the mood I want to create. Previously I drew figures using illustrator for a cleaner more rigid aesthetic, but I now enjoy using procreate as it allows for a more hand drawn and organic look. I often use a simpler colour palette as to keep the designs simple and keep the audiences’ focus on the people. However I am always toying around and experimenting with colours, textures and various affects.
How would you describe your practice?
My practice ranges from very eclectic and vibrant, to simple and black and white. I really like to focus on inclusivity in my designs, and making sure that everyone feels represented. Even though I have been practicing as an illustrator for a while, I feel as though I haven’t found my own unique style yet and I am constantly experimenting and toying around with various affects, colours, brushes and tones. My work ranges from little figures doing everyday things, to stacks of naked women.
How has your practice changed over time?
My practice has changed over time as I have become more confident both using the programs, and with my own designs. When I first began illustrating people I really liked to focus on simple, clean designs that centred around ordinary people undertaking everyday mundane activities. However, as I developed more confidence, I started focusing more on illustrating people in a more creative and outrageous sense. I have done a lot of projects alongside feminist clubs and organisations, and this has helped me delve deeper into exploring the concept of feminism in graphic illustration.
What is the most exciting project you've conducted so far?
The most exciting project I have conducted so far would have been at the beginning of this year when I was part of a collaborative project at the Australian National University. A selection of artists were paired alongside a PHD Professor at the University, with the goal of producing a mural exploring their professors’ PHD research. In collaboration with Dr Faith Gordon, I produced a mural entitled “Fill in the Blanks”, focusing on the stereotypes of children and young people in the media. As the media plays an enormous role in shaping, often negatively, our perceptions of society. Consequently, vulnerable members of the community are left unjustly accused and often without a voice to defend themselves. Children and young people, disproportionately Indigenous Australians, are particularly susceptible to such negative representations and prejudice. Our mural focused on celebrating the playfulness of all youth, while erasing ideas of stereotypes and identity. It prompted the audience to critically consider (and challenge) how the media would typically encourage us to “fill in the blanks”.
Is there an emotional connection to the work you would like to share?
A lot of my own little illustrations have personal meaning or sentimental value attached to them. I often feel an emotional connection to some of the projects I have worked on, and I find this helps motivate and drive me to produce the best possible work that I can do. I find that I am particularly connected to the more feminist driven projects I work on, whether it be a t-shirt or poster design, I am always very invested in those works. Similarly, with some of the more human rights and social justice-based projects like the mural I completed, as well as working for the ICRC in Papua New Guinea, I find it easy to form an emotional connection with those projects that again motivate me to produce the best possible work that I can.
You touch many different media in your work. How have you found balancing graphic design for clients and your own creative practice?
My personal creative practice definitely occurs in waves. Managing casual work, alongside study and freelance has meant that my own creative work is unfortunately minimal, at the moment. However, having just graduated a few weeks ago, I am really excited to delve back into undertaking my own projects and spending more time experimenting with different styles and mediums. I have also started exploring other practices like silversmithing and screen-printing which have taken my time away from illustration.
Where can the viewer see more of your work? What is next for you?
Viewers can see more of my work on either my Instagram @_giorgi_o_ or on my online portfolio https://georgiakamvissis.myportfolio.com/work.
I am hoping to move to Melbourne next year and continue to freelance and work in the Graphic Illustration and Design field. I am not entirely sure what is install for me next, however I will be continuing to experiment with new styles and subjects. I would love to explore a career in the package design field and hopefully take this overseas some day!