Fashion Illustrator Belinda Xia

Life as an illustrator

On a sunny Thursday afternoon in November, we met up with Belinda Xia for a coffee. We’d been admiring her work on Instagram for a while and really wanted to know what it was like to be a full-time fashion illustrator (dream job alert!).

A few hours later, we had all of our answers as well as a Christmas collaboration 🙂 We are so happy to offer you the gorgeous bespoke Milray Park x Belinda Xia Illustration watercolour print – our giveaway with every Milray Park Gift Voucher purchased! Merry Christmas! Give it to someone you love, or treat yo self (your choice, our secret). Get all the details of our interview with Belinda below.

Belinda Xia

Milray Park x Belinda Xia Illustration

How do you describe what you do?

I’m an illustrator and letterer, specialising in content creation for fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Where do you live?

In a beautiful home on Sydney’s north shore.

What kind of job did you dream about doing when you were a child?

I actually really wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, then a vet, then a designer, and now I’m living my dream job as an illustrator.

What was your first job?

A Target checkout chick, which I actually quite enjoyed!

What made you switch careers?

Prior to illustrating full time, I was in a corporate job which just wasn’t for me. The people were lovely, but the creative outlet wasn’t enough!

How long did it take before the big leap ?

I started illustrating on the side towards the end of 2014, but it wasn’t until Dec/Jan this year that I took it seriously as a full-time gig.

What is a typical day for you?

I’m an early riser and have to get some exercise in before my day begins or I get very antsy since I’m sitting all day. I start work about 8:15am with any urgent emails, social media and then client work. Towards the afternoon, I like to draw if possible – I find client illustrations just as rewarding as personal projects.

How does it feel to do something you love everyday?

I’m extremely grateful – I know not everyone gets the opportunity to follow their passion. I’m not saying it’s easy – starting your own business is SO much work, and so much of it isn’t actually being creative (darn admin!) but still so worth it.

Belinda Xia Illustration

What would you say is your biggest achievement thus far?

I’ve just finished up the Christmas Campaign for Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre – it was so surreal spotting my work around the centre and having family text me saying they’ve just seen my animation on their main screen!

What advice would you give someone that is dreaming about switching careers?

Be fully committed and have a plan – even though it’s your dream, you still need to pay the bills! You know it’s the right direction when you can’t imagine doing anything else, and it’s all you can think about.

How would you describe your interior style?

I’m a great big conundrum because I identify with all styles. If I had to pick, a mix of Country Rustic and Scandi – clean, but homely.

What are your favourite places to go in Sydney?

I’m a sucker for great service and Double Cross in Crows Nest is one of those places with good food to boot. That, or Moody Chef in St Leonards. I also love Bowery Lane in the city – great food, great service (and the interiors are industrial chic).

Do you have a favourite secret gem in Sydney?

It’s completely not a secret – but Kurtosh in Crows Nest serves delicious cakes by WEIGHT. So depending on how naughty you’re feeling, everyone can have a little bit of indulgence. Also an industrial chic venue… there’s a theme.

Belinda Xia Illustration

Find out more about our Gift Vouchers here!\

This week, you’ll be able to WIN your very own Milray Park x Belinda Xia Illustration watercolour print in our Weekly Christmas Giveaway contest on Instagram. Try your luck!

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