Abbey Lossing, an Austin-based illustrator, has a remarkable ability to distill the essence of modern life into bold, colorful artwork that is as insightful as it is whimsical. Her illustrations, known for their playful energy and intricate patterns, bring a unique vibrancy to scenes of everyday life, crowding them with humor, warmth, and a deep understanding of human nature.
A Vibrant Career
With an impressive client list that includes Google, Apple, Amazon, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and many others, Abbey Lossing has established herself as a leading illustrator in the editorial and commercial worlds. Currently based in Brooklyn, New York, she juggles her time between her role as a staff illustrator and animator at Vice News and her freelance projects for a wide array of high-profile clients.
Lossing’s work at Vice News showcases her ability to transform everyday scenarios into visually engaging narratives. Her illustrations are not just about capturing moments; they tell stories that resonate with a broad audience. From intricate cityscapes and bustling crowd scenes to intimate portraits and humorous gifs, Lossing’s art is a vivid portrayal of contemporary life.
The Power of Patterns
One of the defining features of Lossing’s artwork is her use of patterns. Her illustrations often feature a tapestry of figures and shapes that interact in ways that feel both spontaneous and meticulously arranged. This patterning is evident in works such as her “Face Pattern” for Buzzfeed, where she fills the frame with a myriad of expressive faces, each one unique yet part of a larger, cohesive whole.
Her recent illustration for The New York Times, titled “The Power of Why,” exemplifies her talent for using patterns to convey complex ideas. In this piece, she depicts a sea of despondent workers hunched over their desks, all in muted colors except for one vibrant figure asking a question. This standout character visually punctuates the article’s theme about the importance of curiosity and questioning in the workplace, demonstrating Lossing’s ability to use art as a medium for commentary.
Humor and Humanity
Abbey Lossing’s illustrations are not only visually striking but also rich in humor and humanity. Her ability to find comedy in everyday situations is one of her trademarks. Whether she’s illustrating the many sleeping positions people adopt for Buzzfeed or depicting quirky scenes of city life, Lossing’s work is infused with a lightheartedness that feels incredibly relatable.
Her gifs, in particular, capture this blend of humor and relatability. In one of her popular gifs, a woman dances next to an unimpressed cat, capturing a moment that is both funny and endearing. In another, a character spends a day avoiding responsibilities in favor of internet surfing and taking selfies, a scene that humorously reflects the digital age we live in.
Crafting a Unique Style
Abbey Lossing’s art is heavily influenced by her background in screen printing, which is evident in her use of halftone patterns and pastel color palettes. These elements give her work a distinct, retro charm that is reminiscent of children’s books and vintage comics, yet her modern themes and fresh take on subjects keep her style contemporary and relevant.
Lossing’s illustrations often feature exaggerated, expressive human faces and postures, capturing a range of emotions that bring her characters to life. Her ability to inject humor into these expressions without losing the underlying humanity of her subjects is what makes her work stand out.
Advice for Aspiring Illustrators
For artists looking to break into the industry, Lossing has straightforward advice: keep creating the kind of work you want to be hired for and share it widely. “Social media is a powerful tool for artists,” she says. “It’s a great way to promote yourself and connect with potential clients.” She also emphasizes the importance of persistence, noting that building a client base and reputation takes time and consistent effort.
Looking Ahead
While Abbey Lossing is busy with freelance projects and her work at Vice News, she hasn’t lost sight of her passion for screen printing. When she finds the time, she hopes to return to the print studio to create a line of illustrated apparel and accessories, further expanding her artistic repertoire.
In the meantime, her fans can continue to enjoy her delightful illustrations and gifs that capture the quirks of everyday life with a playful, insightful eye. Abbey Lossing’s work reminds us that there’s beauty and humor in even the most mundane moments, and her vibrant illustrations invite us all to take a closer look at the world around us.
To explore more of Abbey Lossing’s work and get a glimpse into her creative process, follow her on Instagram and visit her blog. Her unique voice in the world of illustration is one that continues to charm and inspire, capturing the essence of modern life one colorful pattern at a time.