SJ Illustrates

Sarah Jane is an independent Melbourne (Naarm) based illustrator with a love of bright and bold colours and patterns. Retro 70s styles work alongside cryptic coded illustrations to instill a sense of fun and vibrancy to Sarah’s art.

Growing up in a small east coast town on the North Island of New Zealand, Aotearoa, Sarah was surrounded by her mum’s gorgeous garden, and initially found her love of clean lines in tidying up the topiary hedges. Eventually, this translated to strong line details in her illustrations. From studying a degree in Criminology to moving to Melbourne, the city very quickly developed Sarah’s dream of working in the arts. It was a move that only felt possible thanks to Melbourne’s supportive art scene.

The overarching theme of Sarah’s print illustrations is her love for Melbourne and Victoria. In her greeting cards, Sarah explores Nordic style patterns and representations of cooler climate flora and fungi, from Tulips to Mushrooms. Stylistic decisions not far apart from the retro napkins in her grandmother’s kitchen. Basic colour combinations are used to bring the design out and enhance the simple, bold shapes.

In starting her illustration business, Sarah made the conscious decision to meet her love of illustration with her strong sense of responsibility to the land and to Australia and New Zealand. 5% of monthly profits are donated to Carbon Positive Australia, to counter the environmental impact of running a paper-based business. Sarah recognises the privilege it is to evolve her love of art and stationary on the unceded lands of the Boonwurrung people.

All of Sarah’s greeting cards are designed and printed in Melbourne on 100% recycled paper and using Vegetable Based Inks.

sjillustrates.com | @ sjillustrates