How many times have you scrolled Instagram and thought, “wow I love that print, now how do I get my hands on it?”. Enter Kate Fenning of YorkeLee Prints, an Australian online print store full of uniquely creative and (more importantly) affordable Scandinavian-inspired artwork that’s made to style up any space. After searching high and low for on-trend prints for her boys’ rooms that didn’t cost the earth, Kate decided to use her graphic design background to strike out on her own and launch yorkelee.com.au. And we’re mighty happy she did!

Also that she agreed to create a special bespoke Mother’s Day print just for us and all our lovely Bonds fans – can we get a woop?! More on this at the bottom of this blog post. In the meantime, check out this quick Q&A with the busy Mum/creative maven here…

-- Q&A --

What’s the inspiration behind your Mother’s Day piece for Bonds?

I’m really interested in Scandinavian design and creating prints that compliment simple European-inspired style. I felt inspired to create simple, minimalist designs that could be used in a variety of spaces and compliment different interior styles.

What was your process for creating this piece? Did you start it by hand or on the computer?

The Marble Love print was started using Japanese black art ink and the opposite end of a paint brush, I wrote the word ‘Love’ by hand (probably about 100 times) before I was happy, scanned it and digitally created the print with a photo of marble that I took years ago. The Abstract Pastel print was all created digitally with old photos of textures that I had from when I was at uni, combined with elements that I created using graphic design tools. Most prints I design are started by hand, not by computer, I like to start with raw materials and work them into the digital prints. I feel that is our point of difference, our unique artistic minimalist style.

Where do you usually look for inspo?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my own experiences, emotions and of course I love art, so I’m always researching online. Social media is such an amazing platform for finding creative people with similar interests, collaborating and feeding off each other. I actually work ‘backwards’ when I start designing a print by getting inspiration from seeing a space that could use some art and designing something perfect for that environment. I’m forever changing things up and continuously trying to grow as a designer and challenge myself.

What’s a typical day at work like for you?

Most days in the studio are crazy with a million things happening at once, and way too much caffeine, ink and paint flying everywhere. Just your typical day really, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What does Mother’s Day mean to you and your family?

Mother’s Day to me, reminds me about what’s important in life. Spending time with family and friends, appreciating the special people in my life and not taking anything for granted.

How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

Waking up with my boys. They’re at that special age of being able to make gifts, so it’s very exciting for me! I will also be spending time around at my parents and I would love to say ‘spoiling’ my mum, but she doesn’t let us. She’s one of those Mums that are always making sure everyone else is okay before herself. I will be sure to buy her something nice this year though.

What’s one piece of advice your mum gave you growing up?

My mum is one special cookie! She never gave us too much direct advice or tried to tell us what to do. She was always very, supportive so whenever we had any problems or needed her help, she would always be there to talk through the issue and make sure we came up with a solution or at least understood the situation better.

Mum had loads of those mum-type sayings though, you know the really insightful kind like – “when it’s gone it’s gone.” Priceless.

MOTHER'S DAY EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD

Looking for a special gift to give to your mum this Mother’s Day? Download Kate’s gorgeous Mother’s Day artwork, created especially for Bonds, and get some great tips on how to frame it up as a gorgeous gift for mum! Check it out here.

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTS HERE & HERE.

Check out more of Kate’s creative biz here or via her Insta @yorkelee_prints.