Kelly Thompson

Part of

The Perch

Kelly Thompson may be from New Zealand, but for the last few years numerous Australian magazines and blogs have claimed her as their own. Her distinctive seductive illustrations and penchant for beautiful girls have caught the eye of the art and fashion community and launched her career internationally, and she is now one of New Zealand's most popular and recognised illustrators.

In addition to being a well-respected illustrator, Kelly is a photographer and art director, with a creative eye and attention to detail that ensures her vision is realised without compromise.

Kelly's clients include Penguin Books, Covergirl, Nintendo, New Zealand Opera, Nike, Mimco, Westpac, Grey Paris and Telecom New Zealand, and she has spoken at the Semi-Permanent conferences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane along with hosting Masterclasses for Nintendo.

Name:

Kelly Thompson

Place of Birth:

A smelly little town called Rotorua in New Zealand

Currently Living in:

Melbourne

Train, bus, bike, or other:

Legs!!

What's the most important object in your studio?

My pencil sharpener and my opinionated dog for moments of indecision.

Paper or Plastic?

Money is money, I’ll take what I can get.

If you could resurrect one no longer living person to have lunch with, knowing you will have to return them to the grave right after coffee, who would it be?

I’m allergic to coffee so they may need to place me in the grave after, but I would say my Nana.

Preferred method of dealing with an encounter with an acquaintance whose name you can't remember.

Keep on talking and hope I’m with a pal who introduces themselves, forcing an introduction.

Why don't you flip the tortoise over, Leon?

Leon has very skinny arms and a Tortoise can get very heavy.

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Depends if he is generation Y or generation X

Favourite client so far?

Lonely Hearts Club in New Zealand

Favourite imaginary client?

Prada! Or a similar uber uber fashion brand.

How does your mother describe your profession?

With pride.

Coffee or tea?

Herbal tea for me please.

What's your earliest drawing memory?

When my Poppa sat me down and taught me to draw 3D houses, you know how you draw the square then draw the lines out one side, I can remember everything about that moment.

How do you prefer to spend your mornings?

Not waking to an alarm then sitting on a sunny balcony eating an amazing big breakfast.