We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Inés Sterlicchio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Inés, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’m going to start by being very vulnerable, as this story is deeply personal. But first and foremost, I want to introduce myself as an artist and surface pattern designer. I’m a person who tries to find inspiration in everything I experience, so every design or illustration I create stems from something meaningful to me, it has a purpose or a sense, or at the very least, reminds me of a moment I lived or experienced, even if it’s a minor thing. Finding a flower on the path, seeing some ducks swimming in the river, a friend’s laughter, a sunny day, a rainy day, these could be some simple examples. Having shared this with you, I can now proceed to tell you about the event that requires all my vulnerability.
Without delving into too many details, it happened that in September 2018, I was kidnapped in the town where I was born, in Argentina. I was locked in the trunk of a car for many hours on a cold early morning while my family tried to rescue me. Miraculously, the car broke down in the middle of a deserted road, and I was set free. Yes, they let me go. And yes, it was a miracle.
After more than five years, I created a collection of designs called “Renacer” (which means “to reborn” in English, as a verb) in honor of that rescue and that vulnerable girl. I decided to turn it into art and honor the opportunity that God gave me to keep living. To honor that gift of being born again. This collection is very significant to me, simply because of the inspiration behind it.
Why am I telling you all this? Well, I have never had an interview before and I think this is the kind of situations where you can tell these sort of things, haha. Also because this collection is the most recent and meaningful artwork I have made!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Inés Sterlicchio, I’m a surface pattern designer from Argentina, living in Italy. While I study graphic design, I’m also a passionate self-learner. I love diving into courses and soaking up everything related to pattern design and the creative industry!
After finishing school, I decided to study Fashion Communication in Buenos Aires (2019). However, like many, the pandemic brought an unexpected twist to my life. I moved to Italy, got married and discovered a new passion: surface pattern design.
Before reaching this point, I’ve done a little bit of everything. From working as a makeup artist, to having my own handmade notebook business, and even working as a waitress in bars and restaurants in Andorra. Yes, a little bit of everything. At least now I have all that experience! Each one has taught me something valuable, and nowadays, all that diversity is reflected in my creative work.
When it comes to design, before 2023, I didn’t even know what “surface pattern design” meant. And if you’re wondering, let me quickly tell you a bit about it: it’s an area of design that specializes in creating patterns that can be applied to any surface; from fabric to wallpaper, stationary, technology—anything you can think of!
I stumbled upon this through a designer I greatly admire named Bonnie Christine. I took a workshop she offers every year, and instantly knew this was for me—I had found what I had been longing for. It became my passion. Now, I see patterns everywhere. Seriously, if you take a moment to look around, you’ll notice that almost everything has a design on it. And that’s when I recognized the importance of this field in the industry— I mean, we make everything so much prettier! We make this world beautiful! Have you ever thought about what the world would look like without art? White shirts, white mugs, white tablecloths. Boring, right? Well, that’s what I do: I breathe life into things through my designs.
I would love to say that I’m working in this field and doing really well, but honestly, I’m not. I’m just taking my first steps into the industry, starting to create consistent artwork and pitching my portfolio to companies. I’m still figuring out my creative path, and I know I have a long way to go. But I’m enjoying it, I’m cherishing the time it’s taking me, and I’m learning new things all the time. Just this year, I opened my Spoonflower shop where I sell my designs on fabric and wallpaper, and I also released two new design collections – I’m really happy about that. I’m achieving small goals day by day and nurturing my creativity. I love the surface pattern design community, all the artists I encounter on social media are so supportive, kind and friendly.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I’ve noticed that many people are bothered by the idea of seeing someone “not doing anything”. Let me explain; you know those people who are constantly busy, and because of that, they feel super productive and maybe even “superior”? Well, those are the people who, if they don’t see you doing anything, they may get a bit “nervous” and might even tell you that you’re wasting time or that you’re lazy. Yes, it’s happened to me. And I believe it’s important to clarify that as creatives, it’s ESSENTIAL to have time to do nothing, leisure time, to play, to have fun, whatever. Otherwise, we end up facing the famous “burnout”, and we don’t want that. We can’t create ALL THE TIME. Many times it’ll be necessary to step away from the paper and the computer and refill our creative well.
I also want to clarify that I’m not giving you a license to not work, but rather, I’m giving you permission to enjoy your creative journey even if you see everyone else rushing and doing a million things at once.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
A book that has had a significant impact on me personally and in my creative life is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. It has helped me truly live like an artist, reconsider some unconscious concepts implanted in my mind, maintain a consistent creative practice, and prioritize myself so that I can later give to others.
On the other hand, the workshop by Bonnie Christine that I mentioned earlier, titled “The Art of Business: Secrets to success in surface pattern design”, was also a turning point in my life; it was truly transformative. Thanks to her expertise, she has helped me change my mindset about the profession as an artist and the industry; she made me feel included and constantly reminds me that “there is room for me”. I see her as my mentor, even though she may not know it, but she has been a guide for me since I started. I also listen to her podcast called “The Professional Creative Podcast,” and I love it; I highly recommend it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ines.sterlicchio?igsh=cHJ2bTg3b3FqYXhw
- Other: – Spoonflower Shop: https://www.spoonflower.com/collections/724895-early-spring-collection-by-ines_sterlicchio – Online Portfolio (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y1xbiNB7dk_aMWbC0_j8xcsTa8KajHws/view?usp=sharing