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Art

DIY DOC’S: SPRANKENSTEIN

In DIY Docs, we’re taking a look at how illustrators, artists and designers put their stamp on our Dr. Martens products. Painting, tattooing, rhinestones or de-constructing – we’re giving them the creative freedom to express themselves off of the canvas. In this DIY Docs, Sprankenstein puts her artistic twist on a pair of our 1460 Mono boots. Find out more about her and her illustrations below:  
 

Sprankenstein's illustrated 1460 Mono boots.
Sprankenstein’s illustrated 1460 Mono boots.
 
 
Introduce yourself:
I’m Sprankenstein – a Freelance Illustrator splitting my time between both London and Margate. I like to create both hand drawn monochrome work and digital illustration, always with a playfully sinister side. A lot of my work finds it’s place within the music and fashion industry. 
 
Who or what do you take inspiration from?
There are so many things! I’ve always been drawn to things of a creepy nature. Anything to do with mythical monsters, ghosts, derelict buildings with odd histories. Also, I am always drawn to anything remotely related to the Victorian era – like photography, circus acts, toys. The Museum of Childhood is my favourite place to draw inspiration from. I never leave without new ideas.
I’d say my most inspirational artists or creators that I look up to are Frida Kahlo, Tim Burton, Edward Gorey and Guillermo del Toro. 
 
Sprankenstein
Sprankenstein
 
 
Do you have an illustration or project you’re most proud of?
I have been so blessed to have worked on some incredible projects recently. I have just finished the album campaign for Benjamin Francis Leftwich, including making a lyric video too – which I am very proud of.
Such a great project and team to work with. I also have work currently with ASOS on their Global Instagram Campaign which is the dream… This all came about from a personal project I started called #instasprank where I doodled over peoples Instagram photos – so I’d say that project is my pride and joy. 
 
Sprankenstein's illustrated 1460 Mono boots.
Sprankenstein’s illustrated 1460 Mono boots.
 
 
Talk us through your customised Dr. Martens, was it a challenge working on a pair of boots?
I think drawing in strong, thick, black strokes on a white surface is always particularly striking, and had been doing a lot of black painting on white denim so I knew this was where I was going to take the art direction of these boots. The mono white worked so well… It was extra tricky drawing straight on the boots though. 
 
Do you listen to music whilst you work? Name three tracks you can’t hear enough of:
Honestly, I like to work in silence most of the time. I even use earplugs to block out the noise and stay focused. And I shut the door too so I don’t get distracted by my puppy, Spider. However, loving these tracks at the moment, and am really into female lead vocals.
Real Damn Bad – Whinnie Williams
Digital Witness – St Vincent
Tropical Chancer – La Roux 
 

 
 
If you could draw anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Frida Kahlo – Which would probably look nothing like Frida as I can’t draw realistic humans at all… 
 
Tell us your favourite thing about the city you live in:
I have recently left London and moved to the seaside – Margate. I can rave about this town all day. It’s a really creative place with so much opportunity for freelance creative’s to live and work well minus the stress of trying to make a living in London. You can’t step out the house most days without meeting someone really incredible at what they do, whether it be illustration, fine art, animation or up and coming music producers. It’s an inspiring place to be. You remember what it is like to be calm and anxiety free down here. 
 

Sprankenstein's illustrated 1460 Mono boots.
Sprankenstein’s illustrated 1460 Mono boots.
 
 
If you could have any super-power, what would it be?
Teleportation. 100%. 
 
Tell us about your first pair of Dr. Martens:
My first pair of Dr. Marten shoes were when I was around 6 years old.
They were the 1460 patent black boots with the multi-coloured laces. I called them my ‘Trendies’ because I was only allowed to wear them for special occasions. I remember going to buy them with my Dad at the Covent Garden store and how excited I felt! I felt like I was the coolest little tomboy at school wearing my Trendies. 
 
Sprankenstein's illustration
Sprankenstein’s illustration
 
 
And finally, what do you stand for?
Dreams don’t work unless you do. 
 
Find out more about Sprakenstein on her website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter