Appreciating life’s little
beauties with Lottie Rae
To celebrate the new Typographic collection, we’re chatting with brilliant Australian artists about their unique creative journeys. Take the inspiration you need, leave the things you don’t, and embark on your own path to creativity.
It’s not hard to figure out who Lottie Rae is from looking at her bestselling art. A self-proclaimed ‘good times enthusiast’ — and the Insta bio never lies — Lottie’s paintings are inspired by nostalgia, Australiana, and life in a country town.
Honest depictions of an Aussie Christmas morning and flowery designs scribbled on tinnies (beer cans, for the uninformed or un-Australian) are just some of the works that have skyrocketed Lottie’s success in the art world. She’s even sold paintings to the Hadid sisters and braved the elements on a recent season of Australian Survivor.
And to think the whole thing started from a 20-foot shipping container in Trangie, New South Wales.
Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist. Was there a particular moment, person or experience that sparked your creativity?
I think creativity was always part of who I was, long before I ever thought it could become a career. I grew up in the country where you learn pretty quickly to make your own fun, and I’ve always been drawn to creating things and seeing the world a little differently.
Art started as something I did purely because I loved it, but over time, I realised the things I was naturally drawn to; nostalgia, storytelling and everyday Australian life were the exact things I wanted to keep capturing through my work.
There wasn’t one huge moment, more just a slow realisation that creating was the thing that made me feel most like myself.
What inspires your work today, and how do your surroundings or everyday experiences influence your creative process?
My work today is heavily inspired by nostalgia and the little everyday details that make people feel something familiar. I’m really drawn to moments, places and objects that instantly transport people, whether that’s country Australia, pop culture, old memories, humour or things that remind us of simpler times.
Living rurally has definitely shaped the way I see the world, too. I think being surrounded by slower living and a strong sense of community has made me appreciate the beauty in everyday life, and that naturally finds its way into my work.
“[Creativity is] about trusting your own ideas and understanding that the things that make you different are usually the things people connect with most.”
Can you walk us through your process from the very first idea to the finished piece? What does a typical creative day look like for you?
For me, the creative process usually starts with noticing something. I’m constantly collecting inspiration from everyday life, like nostalgia, humour, Australian culture, fashion or moments that feel instantly familiar. Once I have an idea, I usually just jump straight into it. A lot of the time, I don't even sketch it out.
Most of my days are spent in the studio, but I think a big part of being creative is paying attention outside of it, too. A lot of my best ideas actually come from simply living life, observing people and finding inspiration in places most people wouldn’t think to look.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their own creative journey, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice would be to stop waiting for the perfect moment and just begin. So many people spend years thinking they need more experience, more confidence or permission to start, when really, the most important thing is simply backing yourself and staying consistent.
I’ve learned that creativity isn’t about getting everything right straight away. It’s about trusting your own ideas and understanding that the things that make you different are usually the things people connect with most.
Shop Lottie’s creative kit
From watercolour paints to sketching essentials, discover Lottie’s top picks from the new Typographic collection.
Shop Typographic