Ashleigh Cole chose to participate in the #ShareYouCare Sticker Project after COVID-19 left her with a lot of time on her hands. Specialising in lettering and illustration, Ashleigh wanted to give back to the community.
The #ShareYouCare Sticker Project will see 20,000 stickers – designed by a series of established and emerging designers, and artists – distributed across over 100 community locations WA wide, specifically for young people in our community.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Ashleigh Cole and I am a Graphic Designer and Artist based in Perth, Western Australia. I specialise in lettering and illustration.
How would you describe your signature style?
I’d say my style is generally evolving each day, but at the moment it is definitely best described as bright, playful and usually inspired by food or music.
What is all your all-time favourite artwork?
That’s a tough question! I don’t think I have just one. I guess the best I can do is reflect on my personal journey as a designer/artist and where I feel like it all changed for me. Starting out, I was super intimidated, wondering where to possibly begin in developing my style or becoming passionate about a specific element of design. But after searching through Instagram, I came across the incredible Gemma O’Brien. She is so fearless in the scale and complexity of her designs, specifically when dealing with typography and lettering. The main piece of artwork of hers that has always stuck with me is her mural “FEARLESS”.
What are some of the projects you have worked on recently?
During COVID-19 one thing I had was a heap of time up my sleeve, so I figured this was a great time to try something new. I decided I’d come up with a design and paint the underside of a skateboard I almost never used. In-keeping with the COVID theme, I chose to go with a lettering design reading “I AM SO BOARD”, a play on the concept of boredom in lockdown. This was a new challenge for me and I was super happy with the result.
What enticed you to get involved with the #ShareYouCare project?
As mentioned previously, I had a lot of time on my hands. So when I saw the opportunity to make use of my skill, free time and to give to a worthy cause, I had to take it. Carers WA does amazing work for people needing that extra helping hand, and that’s what I hoped to capture in my design.
What was the inspiration behind your sticker design?
My design for the Share You Care competition is very much a portrayal of the power of a helping hand. This can be seen by the two reaching hands below the lettering, indicating people from both sides, one offering the help and the other searching for the help they need. The hearts overarching behind the lettering is the love this thoughtful gesture generates and passes onto the other person. The shooting stars and swirling background adds to the fantastical feeling of the piece, reinforcing the magical sensation we can all experience by caring for one another. In my piece, I hope to have captured the benefits of helping your fellow human, not only for those requiring care, but also for those who are offering to help.
Where can we see more of your work?
Head to Ashleigh Cole Design (@ashleighcoledesign) on either Facebook, Instagram or Behance pages. A website is also coming soon! So stay tuned!
You can get Ashleigh’s sticker at a location near you. View our location list to find out where to get your FREE sticker pack from.
