Make Your Own Luck

If ever there was a poster-girl for do-it-yourself culture, its Kate Moross.

Cover

Source: Ed Park

Cover

Still in her 20s, Moross has packed a series of highlights into her career so far as an illustrator, designer, art director and film-maker.

There’s her breakthrough work on a Cadbury’s campaign – while still a student at Camberwell, illustrations for the likes of Vice, Dazed & Confused and Super Super, music videos for Simian Mobile Disco, Jessie Ware and many more. Oh, and a clothing line for Topshop.

Spread from the book

Source: Ed Park

Spread from the book

For someone so productive and, undoubtedly, so busy, Moross is also startlingly generous with her time and her experience.

A regular on the lecture circuit, her talks are always peppered with honesty (she’s one of the only creatives I’ve ever seen openly tackle the thorny issue of pay – and getting paid) and motivational mantras.

Spread from the book

Source: Ed Park

Spread from the book

It’s one of these slogans – Make Your Own Luck – that has become the title of Moross’s new book, which details her DIY attitude to art and design.

The book profiles some of Moross’s key projects, with an appraisal of each providing insights into her work.

Spread from the book

Source: Ed Park

Spread from the book

It’s full of the trademark Moross mix of inspiration and sound advice. ‘As an illustrator,’ she counsels, ‘being asked to replicate the same style is common.

‘Sometimes you fight it and sometimes you do what you are asked. The best thing is to compromise: do what the client wants, but don’t spread your style too thin. Use it as an opportunity to make small changes and then it will grow project by project.’

Doodles by Moross pepper the book

Source: Ed Park

Doodles by Moross pepper the book

The book has been designed by Praline, which worked on the cover with photographer John Short – an assemblage of objects that reference the various outcomes of Moross’s work.

Neville Brody provides a foreword, and Moross has created divider illustrations and doodles throughout the book.

Make Your Own Luck is published by Prestel on 24 March, priced at £22.50.

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