beyond stash world

Beyond Stash World | A Little Idiot interview with Ali

By Lili MikamiApr 16, 2022

TO STASH WORLD AAAND BEYOND!

The Beyond Stash World series explores the humans behind the stickers and stationery that we have the pleasure of stocking. Learn more about what inspires your fave makers and where you can discover more of their creations.

Tell us a little about who you are and where your love of illustration and stationery began?

I'm Alison and you can call me Ali :) I was born and raised in Hong Kong and I came to Melbourne 8 years ago to study Architecture, and currently, I'm working as an Architectural Graduate and running my own shop in my spare time.
I always love art and stationery (especially stickers!). When I was a kid, my dream was to open a stationery shop haha

Please describe your creative space – whether it's your art studio or the backyard.

I've set up a big long L-shaped desk in my study room, including a drawing station (with my iPad and laptop) and a packing station with all my products and packing materials! Everything is in one spot to maximize my productivity!

What inspired you to start your business?

I've picked up interest in making stickers and polymer clay accessories during the lockdown in 2020! At the time, most people are lonely and stressed due to the Covid situation, therefore I want to start something fresh and motivate myself to stay positive and energetic. I decided to name my store "A little idiot" because I want it to be fun and "me" at the same time. I used my name Ali from Alison and expanded it into "A little idiot." I wanted to use my art and design to share the message to the world that you can be a little idiot for a moment, and get away from the challenges we face every day.

Tell us about the inspiration behind some of the pieces you’ve made.

I want my products to make people smile :) Most of my art/ illustrations are inspired by my everyday life, some small moments that you can appreciate and enjoy.

For example, I have an illustration "Lefty Pride", showing how myself as a lefty can use a mouse and write with my left hand at the same time, which I think is really useful at work haha.

Creating art and stickers is kind of a sanctuary for me to get away from my daily stress and frustrating moments. I am always required to follow rules and regulations for my job, so I like to create vibrant, quirky, and exciting art and designs, and I hope my art and designs will encourage others to feel the same!

Who’s your favourite singer or band at the moment?

I love K-pop! but my favorite band is not active in the industry anymore, I would prefer to keep it a secret haha

Are you a sticker/ stationery user or a hoarder?

BOTH! When I was a kid, my mum gave me stickers as rewards after I finished my homework, and I still remember my first sticker book with a Winnie the Pooh cover~ And I still collect stickers from different artists. I also used a lot of stickers for my journals and planner!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making?

Hmmmmmm... I love video games! (Playing a lot of Pokemon recently) :D

Of course, we have to ask, what’s your favourite piece you’ve made?

It's a tough question! Beary fun is one of my favorite washi tape designs, and I really love the quirkiness of the Butta sticker sheet!