About Sue

Sue: A Life Filled with Art, Design, and Patterns

Born in Germany, Sue's life has been a vibrant tapestry of travel, exploration, and artistic expression. Her passion for art blossomed early, nurtured by her globetrotting experiences and fostered through dedicated studies. After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from RMIT in Melbourne, she embarked on a diverse creative journey.

While initially drawn to printmaking, Sue developed a sensitivity to certain chemicals, leading her to explore other mediums. She discovered a talent for chalk pastel and watercolor pencil, creating captivating artworks that showcased her unique vision.

Never one to be confined, Sue expanded her horizons into the realm of teaching, guiding art classes and mentoring aspiring artists. Her expertise extended to Fine Arts Degree students, assisting them in crafting compelling portfolios for university applications.

In 1997, Sue completed an Advanced Certificate in Illustration, injecting a commercial dimension into her artistic repertoire. She tackled diverse projects, creating fine art pieces and commissioned illustrations, all imbued with her signature style.

A profound love for wildlife arose in 2000, inspiring Sue to design artwork for wildlife conservation and fundraising initiatives. This passion continues to resonate in her art, with animals often taking center stage in her creations.

Her keen eye for color and pattern led to unexpected opportunities. From 2002 onwards, she found herself designing and coordinating pyrotechnic displays, adding a dazzling dimension to her artistic portfolio.

Sue's artistic journey continued to evolve. In 2013, she discovered scratchboard, a new medium that ignited her creative spirit. Further exploration led her back to linocut printing, this time utilizing water-soluble inks that allowed her to revisit a beloved technique.

Fueled by her thirst for knowledge, Sue pursued further education, obtaining a Certificate IV in Design and completing a Surface Pattern Design Course. This diverse skillset has enabled her to seamlessly blend design, illustration, fine art, and printmaking.

Today, Sue's designs find homes across the globe, adorning a variety of products from Speedo swimwear to Walmart bed linen. Her work is regularly showcased at prestigious trade shows in LA and NY, further solidifying her international recognition.

As the founder and owner of The Pattern Salon, a renowned design studio based in Australia, Sue offers her expertise to clients across the retail, homewares, interior design, textile, stationery, and fashion industries.

Beyond her own studio, Sue has established a successful freelance career as a designer and graphic designer, collaborating with clients worldwide. Her diverse portfolio encompasses everything from logos and branding to large-scale artwork.

Sue's commitment to teaching remains steadfast. She conducts weekly art classes in Cairns, Australia, and leads inspiring Art Retreats for women and small groups, expanding her reach both domestically and internationally. Her passion for education extends to online platforms where she has developed curriculum for online graphic design courses, penned courses for universities abroad, and is currently finalizing her own eCourse on becoming a Surface Pattern Designer.

Despite her multifaceted career, Sue never abandons her artistic roots. She continues to create and exhibit her own artwork, garnering numerous awards along the way. She is currently preparing for a late 2024 exhibition at The Tanks, one of Cairns' finest gallery spaces, where she plans to showcase artwork inspired by the local environment.

Sue's life is a testament to her unwavering passion for art, design, and education. Her tireless spirit, coupled with her diverse talents and entrepreneurial drive, has allowed her to carve a unique path and leave a lasting impression on the world around her.

With her own clothing line set to launch shortly and an exclusive design collaboration with Kangaroo Gifts, an Australian international wholesaler, under her belt, Sue's creative journey continues to flourish. The local environment continues to serve as a muse, inspiring her to create captivating artworks that promise to captivate audiences for years to come.