Brushstrokes Illustrator Cass Deller on her Watercolour Coastal Aesthetic and Mentoring Other Australian Creatives
Working from her studio on the doorstep of Noosa's iconic coastline, Cass Deller blends the beauty of her natural surroundings with dreamy beach holiday nostalgia to create her signature coastal style. Cass' artwork is light on detail, using the natural flow of watercolours and loose brushstrokes to create a modern, distinctly feminine aesthetic. With over a decade of design experience and a passion for collaboration, Cass has partnered with global companies and some of Australia’s most recognisable brands... infusing a fresh, contemporary edge into the lifestyle and fashion industries."
Congratulations on 10 years! How has your illustrative style changed over time?
Thank you! I feel like my illustration style hasn't actually changed too much over time. I have always gravitated towards coastal colours and the fluidity of watercolour. I have definitely become more confident in my own style over the years and love exploring the different ways that wants to be expressed.
Thank you! I feel like my illustration style hasn't actually changed too much over time. I have always gravitated towards coastal colours and the fluidity of watercolour. I have definitely become more confident in my own style over the years and love exploring the different ways that wants to be expressed.
You’ve just welcomed Pepper! Congratulations! What made you decide to get an Australian Shepherd? And why did you pick now as a good time for your family?
Yes, we just welcomed our 16 week old Aussie Shepherd into our family. She's so beautiful and she's obsessed with the kids! Our kids are 9 & 5, and have been begging us for a puppy! We didn't want a BIG dog again but wanted a dog that we would have fun at the beach with and could come on walks. We also think that Australian Shepherds are super cute.
Have you had other pets before? Tell us about them and any of their quirky characteristics.
Yes, we used to have a beautiful German Shepherd before the kids came along, and we always knew we would eventually want a dog for the family. Her name was Zara, a beautiful, mostly black German Shepherd. My husband grew up with German Shepherds so he loves that breed. Zara was such a cutie, we'd call her a Labrador in a German Shepherd body because she was such a softy. She loved the beach and swimming in the ocean, such a coastal girl!
What made you start your Courses for Creatives?
My courses came to life quite organically. What started off as mentoring creatives, soon revealed that they all had similar questions about the surface design industry, which led me to offering an online course.
What made you start your Courses for Creatives?
My courses came to life quite organically. What started off as mentoring creatives, soon revealed that they all had similar questions about the surface design industry, which led me to offering an online course.
What advice would you give to other artists looking to transform their creative talents into a successful business venture?
This is my most favourite topic to talk about. Firstly, if you are wanting to turn your creative talents into a business then you have to be willing to share your creativity as much as you can. Offer your services online, via local businesses... anyway you can get your artwork out there.
This is my most favourite topic to talk about. Firstly, if you are wanting to turn your creative talents into a business then you have to be willing to share your creativity as much as you can. Offer your services online, via local businesses... anyway you can get your artwork out there.
The other thing is to create as much art as possible so that you really hone your style and can become known for your own unique artwork.
How do you balance the creative side of being an artist with the practical demands of running a business and being a mum and wife? The hardest part I imagine would be to be relaxed, inspired, positive… to create your best work and that’s unlikely to fit into a busy day schedule?
I really think I've hit the jackpot as I love creating art just as much as I love the business side. I'm quite a go-with-the-flow business owner, so some days I need to focus on the business admin side, some days I'm recording videos for my course and some days I'm painting for my clients. It's all different and that's what I love about it. My kids aren't babies anymore, so the time balance is a little more in my favour these days.
Being creative doesn’t usually stop with one medium. What else do you love doing that feels nourishing and inspiring?
Being creative doesn’t usually stop with one medium. What else do you love doing that feels nourishing and inspiring?
I love being creative at home with renovating and decorating. We're about 80% through our home renovation at the moment, with most of the work happening in the garden. It's been so rewarding watching it come to life. Our next little project is the vegie garden which I'm looking forward to.
What role does social media play for you? Do you see any negatives arising from it or perhaps from the growing use of AI?
What role does social media play for you? Do you see any negatives arising from it or perhaps from the growing use of AI?
Social media has been pivotal in the growth of my business so I have many positive things to say about it. You do have to be wary of comparisonitis, so boundaries are really important. Yes, there is definitely the rise of AI too, however I am a true believer that AI can't take away the soul of what we do and share, so the more we show up authentically, with our own unique stories, the more that will set us apart.
Would you say that most of the brands you’ve collaborated with are women-led? Why is that do you think?
Would you say that most of the brands you’ve collaborated with are women-led? Why is that do you think?
Yes, I'm so lucky to work with the clients that I do. I've intentionally built my business in a way where I attract clients to me based on the kind of energy I put into the world. I would describe my artwork style as very feminine and soft and so I believe that has attracted many women-led businesses to me.
