Sweaty Betty Turns 20: The Story Behind The Union Jack Print
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Sweaty Betty The Gym Ball Print Story
The Artist Behind The Gymball Print
Summer is officially coming and with that the launch of our new collection designed to keep you active anywhere. 70s inspired, these lightweight pieces are designed to make packing instantly easier. Plus, if you want your bum-sculpting Power Leggings and Upbeat Sports Bra with a side of fun, our new gymball print is the answer. Commissioned specially from illustrator Marcos Chin after our design team fell in love with its fun, retro vibe, this design is guaranteed to turn heads, we caught up with the artist to find out more about his work.
What is your background in art and design?
I’m originally from Toronto, Canada and studied illustration at the Ontario College of Art and Design. I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator for about fifteen years and also teach Drawing, and Illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I work with a range of clients mostly within editorial - magazines and newspapers, and have made illustrations for corporate clients as well such as Starbucks, Target, Google, Michael Kors, and now Sweaty Betty. It’s these latter collaborations that have allowed me to envision my work on a platform that doesn’t rest entirely on print.
Where are you based in the world?
Brooklyn, New York.
Could you tell me about the inspiration behind the print?
My intention was twofold: first I wanted the viewer to see the print as a pattern, as a group of women who are exercising; and second to create a situation where out of the repetition of individuals is one person who is not doing the work. This is a cheeky play on the expression "falling off of the (workout) wagon". I spend a lot of time at the gym, and although I try my best to adhere to my workouts that day, there are those moments when I’m that person who spends a bit more time resting on the exercise mat (and maybe even scrolling through social media on my phone- ha!) than working out.
How do you find inspiration for your work?
Inspiration comes from so many places, and it really depends on the kind of project I’m working on. As a professional I came to realize very soon that I can’t wait for inspiration to strike and then use that as a catalyst to create my drawings. Every day I need to be at my desk doing the work, sketching, coming up with new ideas, doodling and even writing, whether I feel like it or not.
Inspiration comes literally from the act of drawing, or making things. Inspiration is everywhere as long as I’m open, listening and seeing. Recently I’ve been interested in the notion that inspiration is kind of floating around us, carried by a muse. It’s a provocative thought, that we as creative individuals are vessels for these ideas that are searching for someone who can manifest them.
What do you like to do when you’re not designing?
I like to sweat! I love going to the gym. I’ve created a kind of fitness challenge that began about a year and half ago. It’s fun for me - exercising, I’m in the second week of a new twelve week challenge where I’ve begun to log in my exercises and the food I eat. I also enjoy cooking a lot, and spending time with my partner, my dog, and my friends. I have a trip planned to Brazil early next year, so I've recently enrolled in a Brazilian Portugese class.
Shop the Power Leggings and Upbeat Sports Bra here and our new arrivals here. Find out more about Marcos Chin here.
