Talented Melbourne illustrator Josephine Bradley Scott picked up her paints and got creative at our new superflagship store at Chadstone - all to support National Body Image and Eating Disorders Week.

Josephine teamed up with Sportsgirl and the Butterfly Foundation to promote positive body image, and did her bit by customising trainers instore with her gorgeous creations on Saturday the 5th of September, with proceeds going to the Butterfly Foundation, giving lucky Sportsgirls a chance to get a one-off pair of shoes and an insight into the creative process, as well as support a very worthy cause at the same time!

Sportsgirl chatted with Josephine about her visit, her art and the connection to the Butterfly Foundation.

SG: Can you tell me about your connection to the Butterfly Foundation? 

JBS: I've had respect for the charity from the word go so I approached them last year and said that I wanted to create an exhibition and donate the profits. I'm passionate about art and I'm passionate about encouraging positive body image - putting the two together just made sense. Hope Week is such a great event, it's a buzz that my creativity can remind people of their own uniqueness.

SG: Trainers are not really a standard canvas! Are you used to drawing on anything and everything or do you have a preferred medium?

JBS: It's been over a year since I painted on a normal canvas. My faves at the moment are some artworks drawn onto second hand photo albums and the back of an old mirror I found in an Op-Shop. It's hanging in my studio, most people don't know there is a character behind it. She's my little secret. I once painted onto the back of an old recliner chair that was mounted on wheels. People could go for rides on it, that was alot of fun.

SG: 2B or 4B? That is the question...

JBS: B what you want 2B.

SG: When did you know you wanted to be an illustrator?

JBS: Hmm, when I drew my first spiders at about 2. I think all kids know they are illustrators. It's just that some forget. I knew I would always be creative and the title has just come with that.

SG: There's something whimsical and almost childlike about your drawings (in the best possible way!) How would you describe your style?

JBS: I certainly think I tap into something playful from childhood. My drawing/painting is very intuitive but alot of consideration goes into the colours, textures and compositions. I hear 'whimsical, magical and mysterious' a lot. I'm happy to go with that.

I'm always excited to meet each character. In my illustrations I see glimmers of the countless people who inspire me; from the girl on the train to the acrobat on the wire. I love the endless opportunity of the process and how each character always brings a surprise.

SG: What inspires you to pick up the pencil or paintbrush?

JBS: If I knew that I would get it in my studio on tap. Most of the time it just flows but a good dose of yoga and people-watching seems to do the trick. 4am is a great time for me.

SG: How long does a typical piece take you to complete?

Anywhere between 2 hours and and 3 days.

SG: What's the best thing about being an illustrator?

JBS: Creating something out of nothing. Just the notion of that is amazing. It's empowering when you can effect someone positively through your expression.

SG: What advice would you give to young people who would like to move into the art world?

JBS: Grow and show. Don't be afraid to experiment with your style and when you do, share it. Create what you feel passionately about as apposed to trying to replicate what you think is 'good'. Sure take inspiration from other artists but essentially your own form of expression is your greatest asset.

SG: Where can people find more of your work?

JBS: www.findjosephine.com funnily enough.