Julie Miller is a folk artist who is inspired by old fairytales, story books and all things vintage. She creates whimsical animals and creatures with textiles and paints. Each whimsical creature will bring a smile to your face.
How did you get started designing your whimsical and wonderful creatures? Always an artist, or was there a “moment”?
I’ve always been creative. I’ve worked in several mediums but fabric is my favorite. My work has evolved into what it is now. For years I made Raggedy Ann dolls and primitive dolls. I started to burn out and didn’t love creating anymore. I made one animal and then another and here I am.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
Old fairytale and story books and all things vintage.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
Do you plan your creatures out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
A little of both. I might find an old toy at a flea market that needs a creature holding it or purchase a new fur and just know what it needs to be. Sometimes I might have an idea but when I start it goes another way altogether.
How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work?
I usually just know but not always. Sometimes we have to ‘chat’. I’ll put them aside and sit with them for a while.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I have a sketchbook but I rarely use it. I usually go right to the cutting table when I have an idea.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? Where does the magic happen?
I recently closed my brick & mortar studio downtown and moved back home. Our kids are all grown so we decided that the best use of our empty house was for me to utilize the spaces to create. It works for us.
We have a large house and I’ve mixed our living and my studio. I have work tables and a wall of cabinets in the back of our living room and vintage gold chairs and a velvet couch in the front. My cutting table (and hardware store counter) is now in our dining room along with old cabinets full of my fabrics. Each of the three empty bedrooms has a purpose. Storage, shipping/office and paint room. The only rooms I don’t use are our bedroom and the kitchen (for the most part) It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely working for us.
Have you taken something designed for another use and repurposed it for your studio?
I use as many vintage pieces as possible. Old cabinets and tables. Hardware store fixtures. I love vintage cubbies. I even have an 8 foot x 8 foot set of nesting boxes that I use to store my vintage finds. We had to cut in half to get it in the house and put it back together.
What is your typical day like?
I don’t have a set schedule. I create everyday. I start with coffee. Always coffee. After morning house chores I dive right in.
I like to start the morning with a clean work area. At the end of the day I always clean up. Having my studio as part of our home I’m more accountable for the mess. I usually work until my husband gets home, cook dinner and eat with him. With my work tables in the living room I can work later while he watches TV. If I’m on a deadline or preparing for a market I’ll work late. I’m a night owl.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
One of my newest creatures is a Highland Cow. I don’t normally follow trends but let’s be honest, they are popular and absolutely adorable. I had to make one. I went to work with my sharpie, paper and pair of scissors. That one was a struggle. I couldn’t get it right but I kept on and I’m so happy with it. I literally start every new design with paper and a sharpie.
Do you think that creativity is part of human nature or is it something that must be nurtured and learned?
I definitely think it’s part of human nature. Skills can be taught but originality and creativity is human nature.
What (or who) has been your biggest inspiration in keeping your creative energy going?
My children. I have five amazing children who are now adults.
How do you balance your personal life, work and creative endeavors?
I’m terrible at this. I honestly work too much. I’m trying to do better.
Is there anything that you haven’t done yet that you feel compelled to achieve in the future?
I’ve just recently started painting my animals and hope to expand my line of signs.
Tell us about your blog and/or website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?
My website, Polka Dot Pig Folk Art is a work in progress but would love to see you on Facebook and Instagram. I keep it real. I share my life, family and fur babies.
I am an abuse survivor. I am a rape survivor. I grew up being abused by my father and honestly that was just the beginning. I think that creating is how I channeled abuse. It keeps me sane, literally. I barely survived my childhood and teenage years. It’s nothing I’m ashamed of. I survived.
Interview posted April 2023
Browse through more inspiring interviews on Create Whimsy