5 Minutes with Helen

WHO IS HELEN, WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Hi, Im Helen! I'm the woman behind, light of leni, my own little brand of paper goods. I'm currently living in Oatley NSW but grew up in Georges Hall.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I currently design paper goods. I really like creating things that can make people feel special and happy, or things that can be a thoughtful gift for someone. Fostering a sense of love between people is so important and a heartfelt present or card can do just that. At the moment I have a range of zodiac prints and greeting cards which I am really passionate about. In the past I did a lot of work for weddings - invitations, stationery and signage.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PASSION?

I've been passionate about creating since I was little! I love expressing myself whether that be through art, design, dancing or singing or even YELLING! Haha. When I was a child I used to pretend my kitchen was a restaurant and design little menus and pretend to be a waiter. I also loved drawing and painting and would create lots of different pictures for my Mum and Dad. I especially loved drawing mermaids, fairies and Winnie the Pooh. After I finished school I studied graphic design which I really enjoyed as there was a lot of creative freedom and I met some really great people. My favourite things to create while studying were logos and packaging designs (I specifically remember seeing lip-smackers packaging and thinking, 'Wow, I want to make pretty things like that!'). After studying I worked in the industry for a little while, but decided I preferred to keep design as my hobby/side hustle and have a different profession as my 'career' which allowed me to achieve my other passion - nurturing and helping people.

IF YOU WERE A COLOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

I love all the colours, so maybe a rainbow? But if i had to pick just one I think I'd be yellow!

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I'm honestly inspired by so many things and they all contradict each other. I love things that are beautiful, simple, messy, bright, colourful, calm and crazy! Inspiration can happen at every turn. Always look for magic in the little moments.

DESCRIBE YOUR ART IN 3 WORDS

Warm, authentic, heartfelt

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS AND WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU HAVE DONE?

Currently my clients are my customers who find me through my instagram account or etsy store. I'm so thankful for all the orders I receive. I'm most proud of the range of zodiac prints that I wrote and designed. These came straight from my heart and are a way we can celebrate ourselves and the magic we hold within. Another really interesting job I've done was lettering on T-shirts for an event with MAC Makeup and Mecca Maxima! We used black paint and a big paint brush to create the letters and hung them up to dry. Once dried the customers got to take them home and keep them. It was so much fun and I'm very thankful for the experience.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A DESIGNER ?

Something I struggled with was sharing my designs and products with the world because I didn't think anybody would care about them, as so many others were already out there. But then one day my mum mentioned to me that there are so many singers out in the world, and that all their voices are unique and special, and that it works the same with art and products. Thanks mum, great advice :)

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIP FOR CHILDREN WHO WANT TO BECOME LIKE YOU ONE DAY?

As you grow up, you may start to stop creating things just for fun and start to worry about what other people may think of your work. If this happens, take a nice deep breath and shake your sillies out and create for fun anyway! Always express yourself and remember that you can always start something again if you don't like it. Don't take things too seriously. Play, create and express.

WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2021 / 2022 ?

I'm looking forward to expanding my greeting card range and slowly adding more types of products into my online store. I'm also trying my hand at some more simple illustration styles. I'd love to get better at drawing but need to remember patience and practice makes perfect!

CONNECT WITH HELEN

Email: helen@lightofleni.com

Esty store: www.etsy.com/shop/lightofleni

Instagram: instagram.com/lightofleni