Anna Lomax on making a career out of making things
This week we chat to multitalented, London-based creative Anna Lomax. Combining the roles of an creative director, set designer and art director, Anna’s is a job of constant variety, revolving around the art of making things. Creating striking visuals for editorial and commercial clients, she is often responsible for both the concept and production of a project, ranging from designs for events or window displays to set design for photoshoots. She talks us through her path – from a rocky start at university to expanding a network of specialist makers.
Anna Lomax
Job Title
Creative Director, Set Designer and Art Director
Selected Clients
AnOther, British Vogue, Chambord, Clarks Originals, Coach, Converse, Hermes, Garage, Kenzo, Lancome, Miu Miu, Nike, Opening Ceremony, Roger Vivier, Stella McCartney, Selfridges, Twin Magazine, The Gourmand, Vanity Fair
Education
BA Illustration, Brighton University (2004–2007)
Fine Art Printmaking, Royal Collage of Art (2008–2010)
Website
Social Media
Colourful, fun-filled and with a good dose of humour, Anna’s output features unlikely combinations of objects and gravity-defying arrangements for clients such as Vogue, Stella McCartney, Selfridges, Miu Miu and Kenzo.
Growing up in a creative household in South London, Anna admits she’s at her happiest when she’s physically making things. With her current projects requiring a wide range of materials and expertise, she has since grown a strong network of fellow makers – from etching specialists to suppliers of all kinds.
“I get bored really easily, which is probably why I’ve got three different job titles.”
While starting out at university, it Anna took a while to find an environment that suited her, dropping out of Camberwell in London after her first year to join the course at Brighton. Here she was able to take her projects far beyond drawing, and soon discovered a line of work that truly appealed to her. Thanks to a group visit to Ron Nordsworthy’s studio in New York, Anna’s eyes were opened to the world of art direction.
Working from her studio in East London, Anna surrounds herself with things that inspire her – from posters to trinkets – as something of an avid collector. She reflects on early jobs where her technical know-how was still limited, and how a promotions job for Topshop became a springboard for her career.
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