Meet the Maker: Discover artist Natasha Vermeulen’s vibrant work.
Artist and designer Natasha Vermeulen is constantly inspired by what’s around her
There’s something delightfully simple about finding inspiration in the everyday. For Natasha Vermeulen, an Auckland-based artist and designer who makes vibrant artworks pulsing with colour, just looking around her fuels her creativity. “Walks, bus rides, people-watching, conversations, live music, movies, art shows, seeing what other people are creating – it all feeds into constant inspiration.” This translates into her artwork best, she says, when she is commissioned for a project with an imaginative brief by clients open to her bright and fun style, especially if animals, people and nature are included in the subject matter.
Recent favourite works include the design of a bespoke case for tech brand Oppo’s latest 5G series phone that features nocturnal animals based on the New Zealand ruru and jewelled gecko – “the artwork was sparked by a visit to an amazing garden, with the colours inspired by bioluminescence” – and a mural on the wall at Auckland restaurant Hello Beasty. “I love working on large scale murals or brand activation events where you can see people enjoying the artwork.”
Natasha always uses sketchbooks with pencils or brush pens to help her loosen up. “It keeps me in the moment. I’ll use the iPad or Wacom tablet for development, depending on the project.”
You can find a selection of her art prints at Endemicworld or contact her at fromthemill.co.nz for commissions.
My favourite things: I visited Japan in 2019 with my partner and can’t wait to get back there (1). Taking a neighbourhood walk is the best way to re-centre, people-watch and enjoy the little things in life (2). I love going to cafes and sketching people and their pets (3). After lockdown I really appreciated being able to go to gigs again; this photo is from The Beths at The Powerstation, Auckland, in July 2020 (4).