We talk to LeftLion's own Natalie Owen about the beautiful she designed for our April issue...
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m the Head Designer at LeftLion. I have been at this marvellous magazine for nearly five years now: I started out as an intern back in 2015 and gradually moved up from Junior Designer to Head Designer. Raphael Achache was my mentor from 2015 and I have learnt a lot from him over the years. I work alongside such a lovely team here, including our Editor, Ashley Carter, who asked me to create the cover for the April issue. I have him to thank for believing in me that I was good enough to create the cover.
What was the inspiration behind the cover?
Rainbows! Before I had even realised rainbows were such a big symbol of hope in this terrible situation we are all in, I just wanted to create something that was positive and beautiful to give other people joy. Of course I wanted to involve LeftLion, so I had the idea of a lion as the main symbol for the cover. Lions are such strong cats, and kings of pride. I didn’t want to show doom and gloom, I wanted to show something empowering and colourful in a time like this.
How does it compare with some other projects you’ve worked on?
I have done many illustrations for the magazine over the years. My main responsibility is laying out the magazine itself, but this was completely different. I wanted to prove to myself that I was able to do a cover for LeftLion! It is a pretty daunting task as everyone sees the cover as the first page of the magazine, so I had a bit of doubt in myself that it wouldn’t look good... But I was pleased with the outcome and I hope others like it too!
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in creating the piece?
The whole situation we are in right now, with not knowing what's happening each day, created a lot of anxiety so creating this cover took my mind off it all. It was really fun to create while listening to lots of Disney songs to keep me positive!
Tell us about some projects you’ve worked on in the past…
When I first arrived at LeftLion I worked on the branding for City of Football. That basically helped me get the job as Junior Designer here, so I was very thankful for the chance to be able to work on such a great project for a lovely client to help get others active again.
What have you got planned for the future?
I love working at LeftLion so I intend on staying here for as long as they will have me! I recently got involved with wedding photography too: I shot two weddings alongside my boyfriend Dan, I think that is something I would like to carry on with in the future. It’s such a happy occasion, and I love weddings! I am also currently working on a book for a remarkable young girl called Lowri that I intend to have finished by May. The book is called Princess Rose and the Golden Glasses.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the LeftLion readers?
Stay home and stay safe! Take this time to create something wonderful!
@natalieowen91
@_go_photography
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