Alexandra Lekis. Photo Credit: Alexandra Lekis

You’ve definitely seen Alexandra Lekis’ cards in Adelaide’s quaint gift shops, such as Have You Met Charlie! You can’t miss her striking and witty designs! Find out more about Alexandra and where you can find her unique greeting cards!

Q: Hello Alexandra! Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

A: Hi! I am a born and bred 23 year old Adelaidian, a full-time physiotherapist, and part-time doodler. In my spare time I’m usually working on improving my number of puns-per-minute record, spending time with family and friends, reading books, going to gigs and creating Orange Forest card designs.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Lekis

Q: Who inspires you? What inspires your art?

A: I’m inspired by the world around me and by seeing the funny side of most situations. All of my designs have been inspired by my own awkward experiences or by witnessing joy and delight in others, sweet romances, the happy-go-lucky nature of kids, cute animals, unique personalities, food, fiction novels and music.

Q: Do you have a preferred medium?

A: All of my designs are hand drawn sketches which I then digitally convert and edit.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Lekis

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My designs are drawn by hand, very goofy and share similarities and unique qualities with that of a 5-year old’s illustrations. Most of the characters that I draw have endearing crooked smiles, blushed cheeks and, oftentimes, freckles. My illustrations are of common-place objects like cats and dogs, fruit and veg, and household items.

Q: Can you please describe your artistic and creative process i.e.: from lingering idea to putting it into practice?

A: Most often I will think of an idea or a cute pun and then sketch a few designs to suit. I then take a photo, or scan the sketch, and edit it on photoshop. I prefer to use bold, primary colours which stand out against my white cards. I print my cards at a local printing company and then personally package and deliver my cards.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Lekis

Q: Where do you see your art practice taking you in the next five years?

A: One of my favourite things about Orange Forest and creating greeting cards, is knowing that a design which I have created, and felt a connection to, is being passed on to someone’s loved one for a birthday or celebration. Being involved in someone else’s gift giving/receiving is so rewarding and heart-warming. Therefore, I am content to contain my work purely to greeting cards but I would be happy to see Orange Forest expand in the greeting card industry.

Q: If you could recommend one artist, who would it be?

A: Allie Brosh who wrote and illustrated the book ‘HYPERBOLE and a HALF’ has funny, emotive cartoon illustrations and hilarious stories to tell, and I would highly recommend reading a few of her short anecdotes for a laugh. However, one artist is not enough! I always listen to music when I draw and adore bands like The Weepies and Hello Saferide who have really kooky, sweet lyrics and catchy tunes. I am also loving the imaginative collage work by Merve Ozaslan at the moment who revitalises old vintage photographs with colourful natural images of forests and the sea – I have a lot of her art hanging up in my bedroom.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Lekis

Q: Where can we find more of your work?

A: Orange Forest cards are sold at a few shops around Adelaide including Have You Met Charlie? in Regent Arcade, E for Ethel on Melbourne Street and Style House Designs in Aldgate. You can also buy cards online on my Etsy page! If you want to have a giggle (or cringe) you can see my designs on social media or come and say hello at the occasional local Adelaide market like Flinders Street Market or the Carclew Dusk Arts Market.

Q: What has been your all-time favourite live gig performance?

A: The Killers have been my favourite band of all time since I can remember, so I‘m going to have to go with their set at Big Day Out in 2012. Brandon Flowers is my favourite!

– Masya Zabidi