Wonder Meyer, originally from Jeffrey’s Bay is a successful qualified, freelance illustrator and artist, now living in Cape Town.
We asked her some questions about her background and her career success:
When did you start homeschooling and how did it benefit you?
I attended a local public school for Grade 1-2, and again from 8-9.
I began my homeschooling journey when I was 8, after my parents made the unconventional decision to pack up our belongings into a 45ft yacht, take me out of the school system and travel the world. My schooling was about as loosely planned as our trip, we just gathered various textbooks from different countries as we went along, for example I ended up doing mostly American history for a while and no Afrikaans at all. There were many days where the sea was too rough to do schoolwork, so we threw the notion of schedules and routines out the window and adapted to the circumstances. I think this prepared me for the lifestyle that comes with being a freelance illustrator really well. It’s nearly impossible to have a set routine as no two days are the same. The work is so varied, and you never know when or where the next job is going to come from, so have have to be able to take it as it comes and be both flexible and self-disciplined.
When did you start your interest in your career? What inspired you?
I spent a lot of time having to sit in confined spaces for long periods of time, first on the yacht and later driving across Australia by car. Reading, drawing and colouring had always been my favourite way to pass the time and I think being exposed to so many different looking people, animals, places and cultures while travelling really sparked my imagination. I often find myself drawing young girls with animal companions in strange, dreamlike landscapes.
What training or lessons did you have, if any?
I was dying to do art as a subject for school, but it was never part of our syllabus. Apart from a handful of watercolour classes as age 11, it was only when I applied to study Fine Art at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth that I discovered the illustration field and knew immediately that was what I wanted to do.
What challenges did you face, if any?
Most of the students in my University course already had impressive portfolios from high school, so I felt very much on the back foot being self-taught and having very little knowledge or skill. I struggled with ‘imposter syndrome’ feeling like I wasn’t a real artist like the other students. But I worked hard and graduated cum laude with a Btech in Printmaking and Illustration, and have been working as an artist ever since.
What success have your achieved and what are your hopes or plans for the future?
I consider my greatest achievement to be doing work that I love every day in what is known to be a notoriously niche industry in South Africa. It can be difficult to make a living freelancing full-time, but I’ve been lucky enough to work with some wonderful brands since graduating in 2014.
Other highlights include being chosen as one of 32 creatives selected countrywide to be part of Design Indaba’s Emerging Creatives program, selected by House and Leisure magazine as one of SA’s ‘Rising Stars’, have exhibited nationally and internationally, published work includes Indigenous Plant Pallets book available in Exclusive Books, as well as a few local and international magazines.
I’m represented by RVCA and part of the RVCA Artists Network Program, have a range of designs on Country Feeling surf apparel, have a personal range of textiles and stationery in selected stores across South Africa, and most recently was the chosen artist representative in Execuspecs Baker Eyewear ad campaign:
I am currently living in the beautiful city of Cape Town and feel so grateful to be doing my dream job every day. I hope to grow my business internationally and continue to do what I love.
Instagram: @wondermeyer
Website: wondermeyer.com
Facebook: Wonder Meyer Illustration https://www.facebook.com/wondermeyerillustration/
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