Mary Matson

Mary’s dynamic illustrations and bright, playful patterns are bursting with color. They highlight her love of world travel, a variety of cuisines, and everyday people. Her work has been commissioned by Conde Nast Traveler, J Crew, Crate & Barrel, Alex Mill and, just recently, featured in collaborations with Temple Studio and Arrels Barcelona. She reflects on her practice with us from her Los Angeles studio…

1. How did you get into illustration?

Naturally, I think. My path is pretty unconventional. I grew up outside DC and went to the museums a lot and then I went to school for painting. In between, to support painting, I worked in restaurant kitchens and eventually worked my way into pastry. I was always still painting too. I enjoyed the team work and the physicality of being in the kitchen and making things for people to enjoy. I came to a crossroads at some point and started to temp as a designer and moved to NYC. Eventually I ended up working for Kate Spade. My illustration side really came out in this period and I dove right into that opportunity. I got to make cards, invites, mailers, patterns... It was a very immersive and inspiring time. Looking back now, it really helped me find and develop my aesthetic.

2. In the time that you’ve been an illustrator, how has the industry and your own process changed?

Communication has definitely changed. Attention spans. Self promotion. The industry that I work within is constantly evolving. I try to stay curious and listen close to my intuition. The one constant over my years working as an illustrator, is that I continue to experiment and draw - using my hands and observing the world.

3. How have you been experimenting lately? 

Making kites and painting on stuff.  Play.  Working in 3 dimensions or painting objects like rocks, cut out paper. Personalizing.

4. You’ve done a lot of cool design/pattern work for companies like Crate and Barrel, Alex Mill, and Temple Studio. What do you enjoy most about working on textile projects?

 Thanks. I feel really lucky. I love working collaboratively with brands and working commercially in general. Limitations are great actually. They keep me focused but with room to explore possibilities for the next project. It's hard to stay constant sometimes, as I work on various types of projects. But I love that variety too because it keeps me curious and challenged.

5. When you’re not working commercially, are there certain subjects you like to explore when creating for yourself? 

Often the things I work on as experiments will end up inspiring a series, and commercial projects sometimes come out of that. Alex Mill and Temple Studios are good examples.  I feel like my subject matter is pretty consistent and I really enjoy expressing that in different ways.

Currently, I’m getting into drawing at the Farmers Market every week. It’s a good exercise and there’s so much to capture there.

 
6. What are the challenges of textile design and illustration?

Keeping the momentum in the studio. Staying relevant and staying honest.

 
7. Are there works of art, music, literature, or design that have been inspiring you, or provoking your curiosity lately?

I listen to the RINSE FM Brighter Days Family show every week. It’s so awesome. Bright and bubbly. Bossa Nova, Beatles, Badu are in heavy rotation. Inspiration is driving around the city and looking at typography excites me.   

8. You’re based in LA, how does the city influence the way you work?

Color. Light. The style, the smell of jasmine in the air. I’ve been in  LA for 10 years. And I feel like an outsider but in the best way. Everyday feels like a discovery.

9.  What does a typical workday look like for you?

I start the day with coffee, a walk and meditation. I usually work all day but take breaks in-between. The late afternoons I take a bike ride to the beach or go swimming at the local pool. It really helps my mind reset. I love to relax on summer evenings and draw outside till sunset.

10. Tell us about your workspace. Where is it? What kinds of tools do you like to keep around?

I love working at home. I enjoy working in crayons, gouache. I am working on a bunch of projects at the moment.

11. Do you have any dream jobs that you’d love to be commissioned for? 

I would love to continue working/expanding in the interior design space. I would love to make rugs, tiles, and murals.
A New Yorker cover (summer issue) would be a dream, but when it comes down to it, big or  small, it’s just great to collaborate with others.

12. Thank you for meeting with us!

Happy summering and thanks for taking the time out, and good vibes!