Beau Best is an illustrator interested in using bold colours and compositions to depict the changing faces of humanity.

Hi Beau! Can you walk us through your creative process?
My creative process consists of many steps that change depending on the project. I use a lot of tools like Pinterest and PureRef to collect visual inspiration. With that fuelling my ideas, I usually start drawings either on my iPad or computer, beginning with quick sketches and taking my favourites into more complex development, including colour palettes. If I decide to continue the piece traditionally, I like to work directly from my digital sketch as a starting point, as I feel it helps me keep my vision accurate and save time.

How has your practice changed over time?
I’m in the process of curating a more mixed media and traditional approach to my work. I learned a lot of art and design fundamentals through digital art, but there is something really satisfying about having a unique, physical piece at the end of a project to show off my work. I think I’ve also become more accustomed to working at my own pace and trying not to rush things – when I rush pieces, they often end up lacklustre.

How do you overcome creative blocks?
I try to take in new visual art, music, and literature to help gain inspiration. I tend to find creative blocks are at their worst when I’m aiming for ‘perfection’, so I try to remind myself that flaws are natural and human.

How do you know when a piece is complete?
Either when I’ve run out of reasonable things to add to it, or I’ve run out of time and/or energy!

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
Don’t feel as if you have to fit in a defined box with regards to your art style and themes. Look at your artistic learning process as something with no defined ‘“’end’ – even masters continue to gain new skills and perspectives.

See more of Beau’s work on her Instagram @apollosdiscus and as part of the Saturate Your Mind exhibition, which runs at Six Foot Gallery until Thursday 9th May.