Uncover the Enigmatic Tale of a Top Illustrator
“Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from some items linked in this article.” Every year, House Beautiful eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the annual Whole Home project. This captivating event involves scouring the nation for a location ripe for exploration, where a cadre of esteemed architects and interior designers collaborates to craft an exquisitely designed home that embodies sheer beauty and innovation.
This year, our seventh edition of the Whole Home project takes place in Asheville, North Carolina, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece. To add a touch of uniqueness, we joined forces with Minted artist Teju Reval, who intricately illustrated 16 images capturing the entire home’s interior and exterior spaces. Through her distinctive hand-drawn style, Teju masterfully encapsulates the modern allure and timeless elegance of this mountain retreat. In a recent interview, Teju shares her journey into illustrating for Minted, the creative process behind her work, and her experience undertaking this distinctive artistic endeavor to commemorate the 2024 Whole Home project.
In a conversation with House Beautiful, Teju sheds light on her evolution as an artist and her collaboration with Minted. Her transition from a background in computer science and business to full-time artistry in 2013 reflects her passion for creating. Upon discovering Minted, Teju was drawn to their aesthetic and began submitting her art to their Design Challenges, eventually becoming captivated by designing for Minted.
Teju explains how her experience as a Minted artist has shaped her approach to illustrating spaces that resonate with viewers. She emphasizes the significance of capturing the essence of a place in a visually striking yet contemporary manner. Working with Minted has honed her skills and exposed her to design trends, allowing her art to connect with a broader audience.
Describing her artistic style as raw and hand-drawn, Teju adapted it to suit the Whole Home project by experimenting with various mediums before settling on gouache for its vibrant colors and print-friendly qualities. She details her creative process for the project, which involved studying each designer’s work and meticulously illustrating the interiors using gouache to bring the space to life.
Teju’s captivating journey as an artist, coupled with her collaboration with Minted for the Whole Home project, showcases her talent for capturing the essence of spaces in a visually compelling manner. Her artistry adds a layer of depth and charm to the already stunning design of the 2024 Whole Home in Asheville, creating an unforgettable visual narrative for all to admire.
In order to convey the narrative of each room effectively, I would create mood boards, design elements, and mockups. Following this, I would proceed to sketch the space, utilize gouache paints for a traditional touch, and then digitally enhance and refine the artwork in Photoshop.
HB: Were there particular aspects of your artistic style that you integrated into the illustrations, and which did you consider essential to showcase?
TR: I aimed to preserve the authenticity of hand-drawn illustrations by emphasizing the bold textures and brushstrokes of gouache painting. It was crucial to highlight the artistic flair of the illustrations while also maintaining a clean and modern design aesthetic that reflects the designer’s vision.
The owner’s suite, crafted by Heidi Woodman. Teju Reval
HB: What was the most thrilling aspect of illustrating the Whole Home project, and which vignette are you most proud of?
TR: While I found joy in illustrating every room, from Kelsey Leigh Design Co.’s kitchen to Byron Risdon’s guest room, my personal favorite was working on Heidi Woodman’s owner’s suite. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the interiors provided a perfect opportunity to showcase my painting skills.
HB: How did collaborating with the team of designers influence your artistic approach during this project?
TR: Working alongside the talented teams at Hearst, Whole Home, and the designers was a fantastic experience. They provided me with all the necessary resources, such as mood boards, imagery, and details of furnishings, to accurately visualize each room. Additionally, receiving progress images of the spaces being decorated helped me capture the essence of each design.
HB: What posed the greatest challenge in translating interior and exterior design into your illustrations?
TR: The fast-paced nature of this project presented a challenge as I had to illustrate the spaces while they were still evolving. Visualizing and illustrating a space based on a designer’s vision before the final decor was in place required flexibility. Despite the challenges, this unique approach made the project incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable.
The outdoor area, curated by Curated Nest. Teju Reval
HB: What was the most rewarding aspect of collaborating with House Beautiful on this project?
TR: Bringing to life the visions of top interior designers was truly rewarding. As an artist, being able to illustrate such tastefully curated spaces and decor was a remarkable opportunity. Working on the Whole Home project was fulfilling and inspiring.
To explore more of my artwork, you can find my pieces at Minted, The Met, Pottery Barn Kids, Disney, Target, Hudson Baby, and Kate & Laurel. For additional content, visit my website and follow me on Instagram.
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