34 | theceomagazine.com
KERRIE HESS TURNED HER PASSION
FOR PAINTING INTO A HIGHLY
LUCRATIVE BUSINESS VENTURE.WORDS SKYE HOKLAS • IMAGES BONNIE CEE / GRACE ALYSSA KYOH
er fashion illustrations have graced the pages of Vogue and
Harper’s Bazaar, featured on the covers of books (including her
own, Shoestring Chic), and been used by the likes of Cartier,
Kate Spade New York, and Louis Vuitton in their high-end marketing
campaigns. She’s had an 18-piece solo exhibition in the ballroom of
Le Meurice hotel, Paris – the same place where both Dali and Picasso
exhibited their works – and she’s sold thousands of original prints to
buyers all over the world. Kerrie Hess has done what many creative types
only dare to dream of – successfully turn her hobby into a full-time career.
Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Kerrie studied graphic design at
university before landing her first job with a London-based newspaper.
There she had an unexpected opportunity to show off her illustrating skills
when she put her hand up to draw something after a stock photo didn’t
come through at the last minute. The lucky break turned into a regular
column with the publication, and her unique style quickly garnered the
attention of others. It wasn’t long until she had interest from a variety of
fashion publications and brands, all wanting to commission her for work.
Here she shares the business rules that have helped her navigate the
business world, while staying true to her creative side.BUSINESS
INSPIRE | Painting passion