Little Mo and Friends
contributor: helena tay
occupation: artist + designer + entrepreneur
base: western australia
I.M….chasing my dream
http://www.littlemoandfriends.com/


Helena Tay is a children's illustrator based in Western Australia. Since young, Helena has always explored her creative side by drawing on walls, dabbling in paints and making her own birthday cards.  She is the creator of Little Mo and Friends, an environmentally friendly stationery line that is bursting on to the art scene with color and cuteness!

In love with pictures and stories
I grew up in KL, Malaysia. My adolescent years were a bit awkward as they usually are. :) I was reserved and shy and immersed myself in books, art and drawing. I was an avid reader. I was into the Enchanted Wood series, the Wishing Chair series and the Adventures of Tintin! I particularly loved stories that took you to magical places, and made you laugh because of their funny characters. I think children stories are the best, everything from the pictures and the narration is so charming and delightful. Since a young age, I have been interested in pictures and narration. I wrote short stories, drew my own comics and made my own birthday cards. I was always making something.

Taking the leap of faith!
Growing up, I thought illustrating was just a hobby and didn’t think I could make a career out of it. I went to Australia to study a degree in Film. I met my husband in one of our film classes and after uni we worked in Australia, in the creative field. Art and design continued to play an integral part in our lives and work. I was always working on projects that utilised my design and illustrating skills, which led to a job as an Art Director in the field of advertising.

While I was happy with the job, I always knew that I wanted to work for myself one day. I wanted to draw and create products from my illustrations and I wanted to illustrate my own children’s book. The more I thought about this idea, the more anxious I became to act on it. I finally decided to just take that leap of faith and do it!




Little Mo & Friends
LMF is a full-time business for me. Every day, I work on illustrating new products, stock up on wholesale orders and research on materials and printers. I still do graphic design work in my studio for my corporate clients. And I also work with my husband, producing and directing videos and animations.

All my work has been self-taught, from books and websites. It has been such an amazing learning experience. When I first started my illustration business in December 2008, I started everything from scratch. I created a few products; my writing sets were my first range. Then I designed my website, and set up an online shop. I emailed my friends and ex-colleagues about my new business. I started blogging and used my blog to showcase my illustrations. I also attended local art markets to sell my work in public. I just kept at it and haven't looked back since.



"I love the whole process of it; I love being meticulous with details and shading."

What’s behind the name?
It started out as a joke; I called my husband Big Mo (mo as in moustache) and he called me Little Mo. When we had to decide on a name for my illustration business, we chose ‘Little Mo and Friends’, because my illustrations centre around a girl (Little Mo), and her animal friends. Many fans have asked if I would draw a boy character or other girls. I haven't decided yet, though I have drawn other characters in a similar style for custom illustrations.

The process from ideas to cute stationery!
I write down any ideas that I think are workable. I think in themes, colours, and settings, which help me create an image when I draw. I do my research and check out the materials and the cost, to see if the idea is feasible. It's very important to me that I source out the best recycled materials to use. The whole aim of my business is to create an environmentally friendly product range. I'm really passionate about this cause. After research I start designing on paper. The bulk of my work is digital colouring, where I add in extra details and shading on computer. Depending on the scale of the job, it usually takes me 3 days or sometimes a week to complete the artwork.

I love the whole process of it; I love being meticulous with details and shading. And I love it when everything comes together at the end!







‘Going places’ with illustration!
I get a fair number of custom requested drawings. I love it because it's nice to be paid to draw in your own style and be recognised for it! One of my favourite pieces is a poster illustration for Made On The Left. I've met so many wonderful customers and retailers who found me through my blog and shop. They've been so supportive of my art. I've also been getting some recognition from magazines and design websites. The best highlight was having my art featured in 'Going Places', MAS in-flight magazine, and now I.M magazine. :) I'm always grateful to everyone who takes the time to stop by my blog or purchase my art. Their support means a lot to me and it also helps me to continue doing what I love.




"Be original with your ideas. Take it far and stand out from the crowd."




"Create things that you LOVE, not what is trendy."

Malaysia, my home
Malaysia will always be my home. I love the fact that I have a familiar place to return to for some catch up time with family and friends. My husband loves Malaysia. He has really embraced the culture, the food and the people. We make an effort to return at least once a year.

Other interests
Reading, writing, collecting children's books, vintage shopping, taking walks in the woods,  and watching my collection of Hayao Miyazaki films.

Words of advice for artsy people!
Chase your dreams. Be original with your ideas. Take it far and stand out from the crowd. I should also stress that it's really important to be passionate about what you do and create things that you LOVE… not what is trendy. If you're really passionate about your work and art, people will see that and they too will grow to love what you do!

Can’t get enough of Little Mo and Friends? Visit www.littlemoandfriends.com to purchase products or join the ‘Little Mo’ Facebook fan page for updates on new products! Search for 'Little Mo and Friends' on Facebook.