Artist of the Month: Stef Kerswell

This month, we’re chatting to Stef Kerswell, the artist behind Billy Brighton, a seaside inspired brand bringing Brighton and Hove to life through photography, artwork and storytelling.

Living by the coast, Stef finds inspiration all around her, from the sea and countryside to the vibrant city nearby. We caught up with her to discover more about her creative journey, inspiration and what’s next for Billy Brighton.

1. Where have you found inspiration lately?

Living on the coast by Brighton, I have the sea in front of me, beautiful countryside behind me and an amazing city 10 minutes to my right. There is always something interesting going on and lots of inspirational sights to capture with my camera on a daily basis.

I’m in a great place at the moment working on my brand, Billy Brighton. I closed my other business, a model agency, at the beginning of the year and am now concentrating on a stress free life!

It has been so rewarding watching Billy Brighton grow from nothing but an idea and I am now in the process of taking it to the next phase… Watch this space!

2. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?

Definitely Billy Brighton! Billy is a seagull who features as a small cameo on all my artwork, but at my sister’s suggestion, and with her help, Billy Brighton became a character on his own. 

I recently brought out Billy Brighton’s Super Seaside Adventure, which I’m particularly proud of.

Billy’s friend Pete Pigeon from London misses his train, so Billy flies around Brighton and Hove sending Pete postcards of his favourite attractions. Each postcard contains interesting facts and a QR stamp with a trail map. It’s fun for the kids and educational too!

3. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?

My main tools for work are my camera, iMac and imagination. I have always been self taught, so when I’m stuck on an editing project I’ve watched training videos online to help me move on.

4. What artists or artworks do you admire or consider influential to your work, and why?

Some of my favourite artists include Miró, Kandinsky, Warhol and Hepworth. But my biggest inspiration actually came from a four year old girl whilst I was living in Paris. Her mum used to frame her paintings, which were so childishly simple and abstract, they worked. That really stayed with me and inspired me to have a go myself.

5. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?

Don’t be afraid to give it a go! I had no idea that I possessed any talent for art until I was in my mid twenties. You never know what you might be capable of until you try.

6. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?

Biggest or proudest achievement??! Where do you draw the line?

I guess one of my biggest achievements was having a gallery showing in Paris for my abstract paintings. Set in the Latin Quarter in the early ’90s, it ran for a week and went really well. Exciting times!

But my proudest achievement has to be Billy Brighton, especially the Billy Brighton’s Super Seaside Adventure book I brought out recently. It’s amazing to see something that started as an idea develop into a character, a book and a whole brand.

7. What is your first memory of creating art?

My first memory of creating art was back in Paris when I needed pictures for my new apartment but couldn’t find anything I liked. So I bought some paints and art paper and set to work! I was in my mid twenties and had been inspired by that four year old girl whose mum framed her paintings. Sometimes you just have to make something yourself!

8. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?

I spend waaaayyyy too much time playing games on my iPad! This sunny weather hasn’t helped, but now it’s time to get my act together and crack on.

9. What work do you most enjoy doing?

On the photography front, my favourite work is portfolio shoots. Art wise, definitely Billy Brighton! It’s been so rewarding watching the character develop and seeing where the idea can go.

10. What is your dream project?

I’m about to start work on my dream project, so watch this space! Otherwise, maybe a wee shop in town… We’ll have to wait and see!

Discover Billy Brighton

Want to see more of Stef’s artwork and Billy Brighton’s seaside adventures?

Visit the Billy Brighton website

Follow Billy Brighton on Instagram

We’re so pleased to feature Stef Kerswell, the artist behind Billy Brighton, as our Artist of the Month and can’t wait to see what comes next for this brilliant seaside character!