Graphic designer Wissie is pushing for pastel positivity and simply good design.
We've joined up with Wissie for our latest print series, Rainbow of Hope, to create a rainbow-inspired print. You can check out her new technicolour piece below - it's available for purchase now with 100% of the profits going to NHS Charities Together.
In a world that too often feels a little too serious, Wissie (otherwise known as Clarissa Burridge) is making positive waves through her intrinsically playful practice. The London-based graphic designer works across the fields of illustration, fashion, and animation. Still, her work always manages to evoke a much-needed sense of optimism - while reminding us of the pleasing power of pastels. If we had to summarise, Wissie’s images are all about energetic typography, bold, pattern-laden forms, cute composition, and a carefully placed punchline or two. Armed with such a versatile illustrative style, the artist has found her perfect fit working as a graphic designer at the iconically irreverent streetwear brand Lazy Oaf. Here she creates visual offerings of every kind, ensuring the final product is always fun yet refined.
Outside of her branded work, Wissie produces digital designs with a focus on colour and clarity. In light of her most recent offering - a collaboration with Evermade on our latest Edition - we caught up the artist and talked about her inspirations, project playlists, and life during lockdown.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Colourful, Playful and Bold!
What’s in your art toolkit?
Lots of coffee, lots of shnacks, and Spotify
Who was on your playlist whilst working on this project? Could you share your playlist with us?
I have a go-to playlist that I put on when working called 'Bliss', it features a lot of chilled music like Bonobo, Laurence Guy, and Maribou State. I don't feel the urge to skip songs - so it's a good sign as an avid skipper.
Who are some artists you really admire at the moment?
To name a few: Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Gavin Connell, and Tess Smith-Roberts. I've just come across Tess's project Still Here, Still Life, a weekly still life drawing challenge. I love the idea so much, I can't wait to participate!
What are the positives you have come across during lockdown and how do you think it will change your point of view in the future?
Slowing down the city pace, noticing things that may have gone unnoticed before, and being able to communicate with loved ones for longer. I hope they are all things that will continue post-COVID.
What are you looking forward to most when the lockdown is over?
Hugging my friends and family, traveling, being with nature, and not having to cook for myself every day :)
What’s your message to health workers right now?
We are so grateful for your dedication and selflessness, thank you so much ❤️
Wissie's artwork for our Rainbow of Hope series proposes a fresh and rather uplifting way to look at lockdown. Summarised perfectly by its contemplative title, Unconventional Unity focuses on her feeling that "although separated, there is a sense of unity and purpose as a community more than ever before." Through this work, the artist sought "to create something that represents nature and provides a sense of harmony for these challenging times." By combining quirky forms, asymmetry, and softly radiating hues, Wissie's design is not only unexpectedly harmonious; it's deeply tranquil too.
Wissie's limited edition print, and ultimate calming influence, Unconventional Unity can be purchased below - with 100% of profits going to NHS Charities Together.
Wissie's artwork titled Unconventional Unity, with 100% profits of art print sales going to NHS Charities Together.
Check out more of Wissie's work here.
