Stephanie DeAngelis is a designer and illustrator from Los Angeles. Read more about what inspires her groovy designs and how she maintains balance. 

Where are you from, where are you now, and how did you get started in art and illustration?

I am from the San Fernando Valley — the Valley — and currently live in Los Angeles, CA. I have been drawing and playing around in various creative mediums since I was a child and I pursued design in college. That led me into the editorial design world, where I began illustrating again.

How would you describe your style and who or what has influenced it?

I would describe my style as playful, colorful, and very influenced by movement. I've recently been really inspired by the action between two points — how figures and plants move within the world around them. You realize the natural world is very groovy when you go sit in the grass and really observe the designs and patterns within nature. I’m pretty obsessed with Nasturtiums and am lucky to be able to grow them in my yard. Not only are the leaves little painterly discs, but the stems are so wavy and intertangled — both of which I'm currently really inspired by.

“You realize the natural world is very groovy when you go sit in the grass and really observe the designs and patterns within nature.”

Is there anything you do to stir up your creativity?

Going outside, always. When I go outside and spend time in nature — or even just try being more mindful of the trees and plants when I walk my dog — I feel like my brain can breathe and I get a lot of ideas. 4 years ago, I started gardening as a way to ease my anxiety and have found that gardening too is a creative medium for me. It’s a good test of patience and consistency, but just like with illustration, once you learn the process you can have fun.

How have the last two years influenced your work and/or daily routines?

I have realized the necessity of building routines so much over the past few years. In May 2020, I took the leap of actually going full-time freelance and I quickly learned that I needed to bring structure into my day and really hone in on my process. And the structure goes way beyond the work — it’s structure to my day as a whole. I think the last two years have made me realize the necessity of prioritizing my mental health too.

“In May 2020, I took the leap of actually going full-time freelance and I quickly learned that I needed to bring structure into my day and really hone in on my process.”

What projects are you working on currently? Do you have a goal or dream project?

I am currently working on more personal work, which I think is so important to do when you have down time. I have been teaching myself animation over the past few years and really want to explore that medium as a way to tell a story. I have a few more fun collaborations going on too, including the t-shirt with Handyma’am!

One of my goals this year would be to continue to do more animated work (either my own personal projects or anything else) and definitely work on a mural or some type of large scale piece. I’d also love to work with a group or organization that is working to help with climate change, environmental issues, or food equity — especially locally in Los Angeles.