Yello Interviews: Illustrator Yasmin Harper, Founder of Little Island Art
by Karen Rollins Nov 15, 2021
Yasmin Harper grew up on the tiny self-governing dependency of Jersey in the Channel Islands and moved to Barbados when she was just 13 years old.
When she left Jersey, Yasmin brought her love of art with her, and soon realised that she wanted to make a career out of her talent.
In between studying and working as a shop assistant, Yasmin started teaching art to special needs students.
However, during the first COVID-19 lockdown she needed something else to do, and so to “prove to herself” that she could, she launched her small business ‘Little Island Art’ offering handmade greeting cards, art prints, and custom illustrations.
Yello asked Yasmin to share her unique story.
Describe yourself using three words.
Creative. Earthy. Passionate.
Please tell us about your childhood in Jersey.
My parents moved to Jersey from the UK in 1985 where they settled and had my brother and I. Jersey is in the Channel Islands, south of England’s coast, and 12 miles west of France. It is eight miles long by nine miles wide and consists of 12 parishes. So, when you compare it to Barbados, it is pretty small.
I attended all girls’ private schools. My primary school was called Helvetia and my secondary was Beaulieu Convent School. I was the only person of colour throughout my schooling at the time.
I have some of the best memories from my primary school days. It was a tiny house school that held about 80 pupils or less, and even though I have moved halfway across the world, I still keep in contact with most of the girls from there.
One of my strongest childhood memories is spending my weekends on the beach walking my dog with family. We would walk no matter the weather! We were sometimes the only people on the beach, walking through hail with wellies, and six layers of clothing just to keep warm.
Jersey in the summer is beautiful; the island really comes alive. Nothing beats a beach BBQ when it’s still bright outside at 10pm.
When and why did you move to Barbados?
I moved to Barbados in 2009. My parents decided that we needed a change, and since my dad’s parents are Barbadian, it only seemed right that we explore the other side of our culture that we’d never really explored before.
At the time, I can remember myself at 13 years old, praying and hoping that I would be returning to Jersey within the week.
The cultural shock was real, but boy did I need it!
I have now been in Barbados for the same number of years I lived in Jersey, and although at times I struggle as a striving artist, I would not call anywhere else home.
Were you always into art and drawing?
Yes, drawing and art have always been second nature to me. For instance, I can remember going out to posh restaurants with family and friends when I was a child, and always making sure to pack whatever sketchbook and pencils I could fit into my little crossover bag.
I would draw still lifes at the table and ask for everyone’s feedback. It was kind of how I grew as a young artist.
What were your initial career plans?
I honestly don’t think I ever had a final career destination in mind although from a young age I knew that a 9-5 desk job was not for me.
I would always tell people, “wherever art leads me”, but it wasn’t really until I attended Lockerbie College in Barbados (or ‘Learning for Life’ as it was called then) that I decided I wanted to use art as a way of helping people, either through art therapy, or becoming an art teacher.
I am currently the art teacher at ‘The School House for Special Needs’ and I love it!
When and why did you start your business Little Island Art?
I started Little Island Art during our first COVID-19 lockdown. To be honest, I started it to prove to myself that I had the confidence to pursue running my own business.
What products and services do you provide?
I handmake personalised greeting cards, along with logo designs, and custom illustrations.
Who are your clients? How do they find you?
Most of my clients find me through Instagram, or through seeing me bright and early every Saturday morning at Brighton’s Farmers Market. I also currently have some cards in the new beautiful ‘Local & Co’ in Speightstown.
Please tell us a bit about your creative process.
I need a tidy space, which is hilarious because my boyfriend will tell you that by the time I’m finished with whatever I’m working on, I’ve moved from my art room to the living room with all my paint brushes, pencils, and bits of cut up paper.
I always start ideas in my sketchbook, even if they are going to be made digitally with my Apple pencil and iPad. I love to work pencil to paper. First, I need to see my ideas come alive on the paper before I move ahead with the next steps.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I follow a lot of art blogs; Pinterest and I love a good art magazine.
Which local, regional, and international artists do you admire?
Kraig Yearwood is a local artist who I have followed since seeing his work during the second year of my bachelors at BCC (Barbados Community College). There is something about his work that always inspires me to push myself further.
What advice do you have for aspiring small business owners?
Trust your instinct; move with the flow. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and if something isn’t the right fit for you, learn to say ‘no’.
What are your plans over the next 12-18 months?
I am currently working on building my website, where I will be selling printed illustrations, stickers, personalised illustrations, standard greeting cards along with personalised greeting cards. I also have a couple of projects in the mix.
What do you love about Barbados?
The people. Although I can get infuriated by customer service at times. But Bajans are some of the funniest and most lovable people I have ever met.
Where do you go to relax?
The beach is my number one place to relax. Sand between my toes, a rum and coke, and a good book.
What is your motto / philosophy in life?
Let frustration fuel inspiration.
If you could have one wish, what would it be, and why?
I would love to live completely off the grid. Most people laugh at me when I say that but there’s something about just being completely submerged by nature that truly makes me feel completely at home.
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Visit the Little Island Art website – https://littleislandart.company.site/
You can also follow Little Island Art on Instagram @littleislandartbds or email Yasmin via [email protected].
All images in this article are copyrighted by Yasmin Harper.