Focus on: Fran Labuschagne

Internationally acclaimed Capetonian illustrator and animator Fran Labuschagne has a passion for characters, soft colours and chocolate. As such her work is often inspired by playful themes and humorous notes. Fran likes to travel and can be found working from a different country every so often. This also means exposure to different art forms, as well as a variety of cultures and clients. Something she relishes.

Read on to find out more about the local and international brands she works for as well as how she aims to create bold and colourful illustrations with a touch of charm.

Firstly, describe your design style to us.

I guess you could describe my illustration style as playful and sophisticated. These two descriptions usually don’t go together, but I like to play with the contrast between, playful, humorous, sophisticated and vibrant. I love to draw characters in soft pastel colours, always with a hint of pink.

Where do you draw the line between illustration and art? Is there such a line?

I don’t think so. Art to me is an expression of imagination, so I don’t think there’s a line between the two. I use illustration to express my creativity and imagination. It happens to be digital illustration, but I still view it as a form of art.

You’re well known for your love of travel, has that influenced the way you work and whom you work for (your clients)?

Yes, we really love to travel whenever we get the chance. I’m unsure if it has influenced how I work with clients. However, I really love working with clients from different backgrounds. I always find it very interesting how you can pick up subtle nuances of particular cultures through emails and video calls. Working with people from many different countries, I feel very connected to the outside world.

I love to draw characters in soft pastel colours, always with a hint of pink.

Has the (rapidly advancing) digital age and the rise of things such as NFTs influenced you and your work?

I have received quite a lot of briefs on these types of themes, so I’ve explored these ideas a bit. However, it’s not something I’m personally interested in. I am more of an old lady, still trying to figure out how Twitter works!

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a variety of large and small projects. One of the projects has been going on for over a year, so I’m very excited to share the work I’ve been creating. Unfortunately, I cannot share more info on that at the moment, but hopefully, it’ll be released soon.

How do you switch off from work and the admin hustle of running a ‘freelance’ business?

I have a one-year-old son, and playing with him in the afternoons really gets my mind off work. It’s a nice work-life balance. I love to be outside, so anything to do with fresh air also helps me to disconnect from work.

See more of Fran’s work here: www.franlabuschagne.com