Artist Spotlight: Meet Sandra Hutter

How do you turn your admiration for beautiful fabric patterns into a colorful, fulfilling career of your own? Illustrator and surface pattern designer Sandra Hutter tells us all about finding inspiration in sewing clothing for her daughter, the city of Vienna, and how her technical training has shaped her work. 

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What inspired you to become an artist?

I've always been a creative person and loved experimenting with different arts and crafts from a young age. When I started sewing clothes for my newborn daughter, I stumbled upon the world of beautiful patterns on fabric. One day, I discovered I could design my own patterns for fabric and even make a living from it. So, I signed up for an online class on surface pattern design, and I fell in love with it right away. It was a perfect way to express my creativity, and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to pursue it as a career.

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Which three words describe your design aesthetic?

Bold. Colorful. Cheerful.

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When you have a creative block, what pulls you out of it?

Whenever I experience a creative block, I like to step out of the house and soak up some sun. Luckily, I live close to a beautiful park with lots of flowers, plants, and trees. I find that simply observing the beauty of nature can be a great source of inspiration. Additionally, I like to listen to my favorite music and do some loose scribbles and doodles in my sketchbook. These sketches often lead me to new ideas for a fresh print design.

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What is your proudest moment as an artist?

The proudest moment in my artistic career was when I saw one of my designs printed on an actual product and sold by a company. It was an amazing feeling to see my hard work and creativity brought to life in a tangible way. It made me feel like a real artist, and it gave me the motivation to keep pursuing my passion for design.

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What's the best party you've ever thrown or attended?

The best party I've ever thrown or attended would definitely be my own wedding party. We opted for an intimate gathering and invited around 50 of our closest friends and family. We rented a beautiful venue nestled in the mountains and hired a live band to keep everyone dancing. The atmosphere was perfect, with a relaxed and joyful ambiance, and the evening was filled with love and laughter. It was an unforgettable day that holds a special place in my heart.

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What advice would you give to an aspiring creator?

As someone who has been creating for a while, my advice to any aspiring creator is to be patient and persistent. Success doesn't happen overnight, and it's important to keep pushing forward even when things get tough. Dream big, aim high, and work hard to achieve your goals.

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How has your technical training influenced your personal creative style?

Having a solid understanding of the principles of color theory and composition helps me to create harmonious and balanced artwork that resonates with viewers. I'm able to use this knowledge to guide my decisions when choosing colors and arranging elements in a piece. Additionally, my knowledge of art history has inspired me to explore new ideas and approaches in my own work.

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How has your style evolved over time?

My style has evolved over time as I have gained more experience and confidence in my work. As I have become more technically skilled, I have been able to create more complex and intricate patterns. I now tend to create designs that are dense with multiple elements, allowing the viewer to discover new details and elements each time they look at the piece.

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Your work has been featured across a diverse range of products. What's something you haven't done yet but want to do?

As someone who loves the beach and the ocean and has been a fan of surf culture for a long time, seeing my designs on a surfboard would be a dream come true.

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What's your favorite place/location to go to for inspiration?

I am lucky to live in Vienna, a city full of cultural richness, historical buildings, and world-famous museums. It's my favorite place to go for inspiration, as there is always something new and exciting happening. Whether it's exploring the exhibitions of old masterpieces or discovering contemporary art in the vibrant young art scene, inspiration strikes around every corner. 

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What excites you the most about your collaboration with Evite?

The thought of my designs being used by people to plan and invite their loved ones to important life events such as weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. Seeing my designs bring joy and excitement to others is truly fulfilling and a reminder of why I love creating art.

Sandra Hutter is an illustrator and surface pattern designer, currently based in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria. From an early age, Sandra had a passion for all things creative. She graduated from the Art and Design School in Austria, where she was technically trained in the areas of color theory, composition, and history of art and architecture. She creates colorful, bold, and feel-good artwork that can be found on a variety of printed products, such as fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap, home decor, apparel, greeting cards, and much more. For more of her work, check out her Instagram (or these eye-catching Evites for your next party)!