We were lucky to catch up with Saffron Francis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Saffron , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally was during my childhood. Growing up as a Toronto-based contemporary artist with Trinidadian Canadian roots, I drew inspiration from my surroundings early on. My journey began with a simple ballpoint pen, an affordable tool that allowed me to express my creativity.

In my teenage years, I found solace in focusing on urban creatures and the female form, which further fueled my passion for art. This dedication led me to complete a BFA from OCAD University. Now, I have the privilege of collaborating with brands globally, engaging in brand activations, and hosting pop-up events where I specialize in customizing paintings and engraving perfume bottles.

What inspires me to be an artist is my unwavering passion for creating and making art. It’s the only thing I’ve ever truly wanted to do, and this passion drives me to pursue what I love every day. I find immense joy in telling my story and connecting with others who can relate to my experiences through my art.

A significant part of my inspiration comes from my diverse talents across various forms of art. Along the way, I’ve become more confident in myself and my abilities, believing in my work and learning so much in the process. The ability to live off what I love doing is the most fulfilling feeling in the world!

Saffron , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not be familiar with my work, let me introduce myself. I’m a Toronto-based contemporary artist with Trinidadian Canadian roots. My journey into the art world began in childhood when I used a simple ballpoint pen as an affordable means to express my creativity. Over time, my passion for art grew, especially during my teenage years when I found solace in focusing on urban creatures and the female form. This passion led me to complete a BFA from OCAD University.

Today, I have the privilege of collaborating with prestigious brands globally, including developers like Tridel and Daniels. My artistic services are diverse and tailored to meet various needs. They include:

Customised Packaging
Bottle Customisation
Live Fashion Illustrations
Tailored Prototype Handbag Sketches
Merchandising Collaborative Design Projects
Book Design
Mural Design and Creation

What sets me apart in the industry is my ability to bring a unique and personal touch to my work. Whether it’s through brand activations, pop-up events, or collaborative projects, I strive to create meaningful connections with my audience. My art often features bright, bold colours designed to elicit emotional responses and nurture a deeper connection with viewers.

One of the main problems I solve for my clients is providing a distinctive and personalized artistic touch that enhances their brand identity and resonates with their target audience. Whether it’s a customized painting, an engraved perfume bottle, or a bespoke mural, my work aims to inspire and engage.

What I’m most proud of is my current exploration of the psychology of modern women. Through my art, I aim to inspire others to share their stories and foster meaningful community dialogue. This mission is reflected in every piece I create, and it’s what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my brand and work. My art is not just about visual appeal; it’s about creating connections, telling stories, and inspiring others.

In summary, my artistic journey is rooted in my heritage and personal experiences, and it continues to evolve through meaningful collaborations and creative explorations.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most fulfilling parts being a creative is seeing how my art resonates with people. Whether it’s through my own work, customized packaging, bottle customizations, live fashion illustrations, or mural designs, I aim to create pieces that elicit emotional responses and nurture a sense of connection. My current exploration of the psychology of modern women is particularly rewarding, as it encourages others to share their stories and engage in community dialogue.

Additionally, the opportunity to work on diverse projects—such as tailored prototype handbag sketches, merchandising collaborative design projects, and book designs—allows me to continuously challenge myself and grow as an artist. Each project is a chance to bring a unique and personal touch to my clients’ visions, which is incredibly gratifying.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is knowing that my art can inspire, connect, and bring joy to others. This sense of purpose and the ability to make a positive impact through my creativity is what drives me every day.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the fear of failure and the need to let go of my ego. When I first started my artistic journey, I was often paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes or not meeting my own high standards. This fear held me back from experimenting and taking risks, which are essential parts of the creative process.

Completing my BFA from OCAD University and working on various projects like customized packaging, bottle customizations, and live fashion illustrations taught me that failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone towards it. Embracing this mindset shift allowed me to push the boundaries of my creativity and produce work that is more authentic and resonant.

Unlearning the fear of failure and letting go of my ego has been instrumental in my growth as an artist. It has enabled me to approach each project with an open mind and a willingness to learn, ultimately leading to more innovative and meaningful art. This lesson has not only improved my work but has also enriched my interactions with clients and the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.saffronfrancis.com
• Instagram: @saffron_francis
• Linkedin: Saffron Francis
• Youtube: Artbysaffy

Image Credits

Jamie
Betty