MEET KEI MAYE

Kei Maye is a London based surface designer I discovered fairly recently at the UK’s first Black Girl Fest (which was great!). Like many others who attended, I was completely in awe at Maye’s stall which was shouting out black girl magic in the most subtle way with the delicate pastel shades of pink and blue that is repeated as a continuous theme throughout her work, making it ever so easy to spot the craft of Kei Maye’s whenever someone has reposted her work on my Instagram timeline. From posters to stationary items and even clothes! – you name it Kei provides it all. I rarely see work displayed in this format. Looking at Kei’s work you can tell she is using a number of mediums, and I’m nosey enough to want to know and find out ‘who? what? and why?'. After enough fan girling, it was only right to feature the artist herself on the interview segment of my blog.

Enjoy the interview!

1. Why did you start sharing your work online?

As all of my work is digitally produced, it has been the easiest way for me to share my work with the world. They were starting to collect dust in my desktop, until one day I realised, nothing can manifest if I don't put my work out there.

Calm In The Chaos

2. What is your favourite illustration you have created and why?

Calm In The Chaos is my favourite - I am always chasing peace. Every day is fully loaded, from the hustle & bustle in the city to working to social interactions; I feel it is important to take time away from all this and give yourself the chance to simply 'be' in your own space. Finding the calm In the chaos.

Cheaper Than Therapy

3.You most definitely have a style, what is the message you are trying to get across through your artistry?

I'm an emotive worker, all of my pieces are derived from direct experience, things that elicit heightened reaction from me; be it irritation, excitement, intrigue and so on.I use my artistry to share my realities (and fantasies) growing up & existing as an awkward black girl in London. It's like therapy.

4.How do you get inspired?

I'm inspired by day to day situations. Topics I feel passionate about I like to depict with either an effect or a cause. Although sometimes I am inspired by fantasy and think "ooh, I wonder how it would look if..." and use that as my guide. My mood at the time also has a massive impact. And music!

5. How do you use your mediums?

I use Photoshop & a drawing tablet. I tried to use Illustrator, but I found it didn't work with the raw & ragged edges I organically create as I sketch.

On some occasions, I hand draw then scan, but my preferred method is with digital tablet.

6. Who are your influencers/inspiration?

To pinpoint one would be difficult, I am surrounded by so many young men and women stepping out of their comfort zones and making positive contributions to the community - they all inspire me in different ways!