Lillias.co.uk are the thirty-eighth recipients of Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award. The “Limelight’s” are a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today. Lillias.co.uk are a design company specialising in beautiful artwork that is used in many formats including album covers.
We asked Lillias Kinsman-Blake of Lillias.co.uk the following questions.
What is your principal company activity?
Illustration, Screen Printing, Graphic Design
When and where did the company first start trading?
One of my earliest memories is opening the art cupboard in our family home and creating a colourful mess: my masterpiece! 20 years later after much rebelling against being an ‘artist’ (as this is how my parents earn their living) I find myself happily surrounded in another colourful mess of paper, paint and pens – swamping my computer in my home studio in Glasgow.
On graduating from a degree in traditional music I started to design promotional material and album artwork for bands I was in and quickly found my skills in demand by other musicians. In 2011 I headed to London to study graphic design and become a ‘proper’ designer. On returning to Scotland in 2012 I set up a studio in my bedroom in Leith.
What made you want to work in Scottish culture?
I go where my interests take me: music, art, theatre, social enterprises, literature, design activism and travel… Scotland has a strong and vibrant cultural identity. It is part of me. It is an exciting place to live and work.
Can you tell us of any particular company highlights?
Hearing sneak previews of albums before they are released is always a pleasure but a crisp screen print fresh from the press is a true highlight.
What are your company’s plans for the future?
To work collectively with my talented family of ceramists, painters, woodworkers and jewellers and promote our family gallery in the Scottish Borders https://www.facebook.com/kinsmanblakegallery/?fref=ts
I also have a children’s book in mind, inspired by the birth of our son and his french cousin earlier this year.
How will you celebrate receiving Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight award?
Champagne!
Contact Lillias.co.uk
2/2 15 Leven Street
Glasgow
G41 2JB
http://www.lillias.co.uk