Hi! My name is Tracy Beagen. I work under the studio name TracyLucy Designs which is my first name and a variation of my middle name combined. I am 31 years old and currently live in the UK with my husband and almost 2-year-old daughter. I am pregnant with my second child, due later this year. I love the beach, all things floral, nature, dogs, sports and traveling.
ArtsCase. How did you become an illustrator/Artist?
I have always been into art. When I was younger I would do some painting, but always enjoyed coloring and drawing. When it was time for me to go to college I had decided that I wanted to major in something creative. I learned about Surface Pattern Design and immediately decided that this was what I wanted to do. It was a combination of all the things I already loved to do and knew this was it! I haven’t stopped creating since then!
ArtsCase. How long have you been an illustrator/Artist?
I started painting I think when I was about 13? And then got more into drawing. I started taking being an artist a lot more seriously when I was 17/18 and in high school and then really focused on it when I started college at Syracuse University.
ArtsCase. Do you think an illustrator/Artist needs a style? Why? Do you have tips on developing a style?
Yes! I think it just helps you as an artist to focus on your strongest assets. It also helps set you aside from all the other talented and amazing artists out there. I also believe it takes some time. It took me a couple of years to really zone in on what was working for me and what I was doing to create my best work. So, my biggest tip is to just keep creating. Artists are always learning and evolving, so it will come, with a lot of practice!
ArtsCase. Could you describe your creative process?
I always start with paper and pencil/marker. I like to start all my work by drawing and getting a bunch of motifs/images on paper. I then go over the pencil with a black pen/marker. I then scan my images and bring them into illustrator. Once I have them in illustrator I like to re-draw them with the brush tool, which allows me to still maintain the hand-drawn look, but it also allows me to create clean images. I then work out a repeat for a pattern and then add some color. Once the color is done I go back in and add some fine details to complete the process.
ArtsCase. What part of your life is reflected in your illustrations?
I have a young daughter and another one on the way. They are such a huge inspiration for me and I have noticed my designs leaning more towards younger girls. Lots of florals and lots of colors. We are also a military family, therefor we move around a lot and I am constantly inspired by our new surroundings!
ArtsCase. What would you say is your strongest skill?
I would say my strongest skill is color. I love looking for great color combinations and then using them in my patterns. Color can make or break a design and I love how something so simple as one color and completely change the look of a design.
ArtsCase. Who are the people who have influenced your aesthetics and your approach to design?
I have looked to a lot of other designers who are incredibly talented. I have taken skillshare classes from Elizabeth Olwen and Bonnie Christine. They have definitely helped me find what works best for me when it comes to my approach on creating a pattern.
ArtsCase. What are you passionate about besides your work?
I am passionate about my family, and exercise! I have always been an athletic person, so I really love being able to workout. Not only does it make me feel good but I feel like it sets me up for my day and gets me energized and ready to create. I also love getting in family time and taking trips/making memories. Although some days can be tough, having those adventures are the moments I want to remember.
ArtsCase. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would say my greatest achievement so far has been showing my work at the Surtex Tradeshow in NYC. It was a dream of mine, and it was an amazing experience. I learned a great deal, and I hope to make it back to one of the tradeshows again sometime!
ArtsCase. What advice would you give to up-and-coming illustrators?
Just keep creating. It can be a tough industry to break into and to get your name out there. Even I am still trying to achieve some of these things! But I never stopped creating. The more you do, the more your style with come through and the bigger your portfolio will be.
Which is your favorite piece of art from your own designs? Why?
I love the Winter Wild Blooms design. I think it just incorporates all aspects of design and art that I love. It shows line work, colors, florals, and variations the size of motifs. I love to do a range of different styles and this pattern in particular just shows that off well.
ArtsCase. Could you describe a typical day?
When my daughter is home with me, I am usually with her in the morning doing some kind of activity. Once she goes down for an afternoon nap, I go to my home office/studio and start working on whatever project I have going on at the time. Depending on deadlines, I will go back to work after my daughter has gone to bed for the night. When she is in the nursery, I like to get a workout done in the morning, and then take a shower. I feel so refreshed and ready to go after that! I make some coffee and head to my home office/studio and get to work until late afternoon when I pick my daughter up.
ArtsCase. Would you give us a tour of your art studio?
It isn’t much, unfortunately! We don’t have as much space as I would like. I share my office with my husband and we have two wardrobes up there haha. But it works for me! I have what I need, which is my desk, desktop computer, flat file drawer and books that inspire me.
