You may know her as the journalist behind the glossy beauty pages in magazines like Prevention and Women’s Health, but you just have to look at Erin Whitty’s Instagram account to realise she’s also one talented artist. Brands have cottoned on to this hidden talent, calling on Whitty to paint and draw for various campaigns. For her latest collaboration, Whitty created a bespoke Christmas tin for Lanolips featuring the illustration of a ballerina. Here, bd talks to Whitty about the collaboration and how she got discovered as an artist.
How did the Lanolips collaboration come about?
I’ve been in publishing a while now (almost a decade), so my relationship with Kirsten Carriol, the brand founder, goes way back. She saw some of my illustrations on Instagram earlier this year and approached me with the concept around March. I like to paint ballerinas and other pretty subject matter, so I think we’re a good fit!
Were you excited to be involved with the brand?
So excited! I was really impressed with the medical-grade ointment at the brand’s launch five years ago, so seeing my art appear on its limited edition Christmas tin has been surreal.
How long did it take you to create the image?
Around two or three days. I had a fair amount of freedom with the project, so I wanted to first submit three preliminary sketches and develop the chosen one. I drew references from 1960s hair and make-up as well as elegant, Queen Anne furniture.
You seem to be utilising your artistic talents by partnering up with a few brands this year. How has this evolved?
Drawing and painting have always been huge passions of mine. I grew up in a creative, entrepreneurial family and it seemed a shame not to both express my love for the visual medium and create a business of my own. I set out to develop my portfolio late last year and have since been incredibly fortunate to work with large and established beauty brands.
Do you see yourself doing more art collaborations with brands?
Absolutely! It’s such a thrill partnering with brands I’ve loved and respected for years from a journalistic perspective. Unlike personal projects, working to brief is a welcome challenge. I’ve painted a number of commissions for private clients over the years so it feels very natural.
What do you prefer - writing or drawing?
I love them both! The ideal scenario is to balance writing and painting, which I do now, and am incredibly thankful for.
Whitty is available for freelance illustration work including press material, packaging and editorial. She also runs in-house corporate workshops. For more information, contact her at erin@erinwhitty.com.
