London Grilling: Anna Obert, Illustrator at The Pop Up, Earls Court
In this week’s London Grilling we caught up with Italian born illustrator, Anna Obert. Anna is the current occupant of The Pop Up in Earls Court; a free, temporary pop-up retail space, set up by The Earls Court Development Company (a Delancey Real Estate project and partnership) that aims to support and grow new local businesses by offering a pressure-free environment in which to learn how to promote and sell their products.that aims to support and grow new local businesses by offering a pressure-free environment in which to learn how to promote and sell their products.
Hi Anna, please introduce yourself to our readers and tell them what you do for a living
Hello! I’m from Italy and have been living in London since 2018, after living for a short time in Paris. I'm very talkative, which is why I've always worked in hospitality, but I also like being alone a lot and, in art, I've found my balance.
Have you always worked as an illustrator? What inspired you to pursue this as a career?
Not really, I started working with my illustrations during the lockdown. I used to post my drawings on social media and at some point they started to commission drawings from me.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your work and unique artistic style?
I am not sure I have my own style yet. As a self-taught artist, I like to experiment with different techniques and styles to see what represents me best. But there are some things that fascinate me more than others, like old buildings, female figures and nature.
Do you ever experience a creative block and what do you do to overcome it?
Yes, absolutely! And aimless walks are my salvation (the long ones with a cup of take-away tea). The word that most represents me is the French word: flaneuse, the feminine of flaneur. I advise everyone to go and look up the meaning! I have it tattooed on me.
Your pop up in Earls Court has launched today. Exciting! How did it go?
Very good! In just a few hours many people have already come in asking for customized illustrations, which is exactly what I wanted!
How did you come to open up in Earls Court?
I found the advertisement on social media and applied immediately! The first few years I walked past the shop every day on my way to Kensington and watched the window change all the time. Earl’s Court is beautiful and elegant. I couldn't have wished for a better location! I still can't believe it's me in there today!
Can anyone come and visit your pop up? Who are your illustrations for?
Literally anyone! My best sellers are family portraits because they are suitable for all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. Everyone likes to see themselves in a comic version! There are also many other products, including baby gifts, menu kits for dinners at home, original paintings, prints, weekly planners and, above all, Christmas cards!
How long will your pop up be open in Earls Court and what’s next for you?
Unfortunately I will have to close the shop as early as 23 December, so I have less than a month, but I’ll do my best to meet as many people as possible! In January I will be at the Top Drawer Fair in Olympia London. My first B2B fair where of course my goal is to place my products in some shops in London. And after these two great opportunities, I'll see which one had a better response.
What do you love most about Earls Court?
What if I tell you that one of my Christmas card designs this year is an Earl's Court building? Definitely the architecture and the perfection of the buildings. The red of the bricks, contrasting with the green of the gardens. I find it extremely fascinating.
What is your favourite restaurant in Earls Court?
I don't really have a favourite, but tonight I'm going to try the Troubadour, so maybe that will change my ranking soon. Everyone advises me to go!
What advice would you give to young artists wanting to pursue a career in Illustration?
A big piece of advice from me: never stop drawing for yourself. Start your career, open your business, think about gaining respect and money but never forget the reason you started: your love for drawing! Because that is the only thing that will ensure that yours does not become just a job.
The Pop Up is in and amongst a vibrant high street serving food and drink offerings to the local residents, located just moments from West Brompton Station. It’s well worth a visit, but Donny worry if you aren’t able to get to Anna’s pop up studio during her month long residency - you can still see and buy her work on her Instagram, or on her website. (Hint - we think her illustrations make for the perfect Christmas gift! 🎁🎨 )
If you’re a creative, freelancer or small business based in Earls Court, and are interested in setting up temporary residence at The Pop Up, here’s the email: jade.barltrop@earlscourtdevco.com.
