hope&plum Guest Artist: Meet Cass Deller

I’m Cass, an artist and surface designer based in Noosa, Queensland. 

I've spent over a decade turning a deep love of watercolour into a design studio that works with some of Australia's most recognisable brands.

Whilst I spend most of my time creating beautiful, original art for products, fabrics and wallpaper, I also run my signature program- The Surface Pattern Design Course for Creative Entrepreneurs. 

I’ve mentored hundreds of women, been a guest speaker at fantastic events, hosted a podcast, and am now about to launch my first ever group coaching program - Creative Rise.

No two days ever look exactly the same, and I love that about my work!

I would say I’ve always been creative! But before I was creating the coastal-inspired watercolours you see in my feed and portfolio now, I was working in a design capacity with Westfield. I realised that the corporate ladder wasn’t for me, and pivoted to working in wedding stationery. This is where I rediscovered my love of watercolour, florals and natural elements, and even hand lettering. 

In 2013 I started my own business and quickly grew a client base of beautiful brands seeking original art for products, fabrics and wallpaper. This established me not only as an illustrator, but as a surface designer - translating my clients’ stories into gorgeous artwork that’s out in the world, but just on a canvas in a gallery. Having said that, I do love creating original pieces for homes as well. The variety of opportunities available to artists now really excites me. 

I’m fortunate enough to live in Noosa, Queensland, so inspiration is honestly everywhere. From the local beaches with their turquoise waters, shells and sun bathers, to the palms and natives found along the coastline, to the beach-side cafes and shops that attract thousands of people from all over the world. I seriously don’t have to look past my own backyard (sometimes literally!) for inspiration. 

Day-to-day, my creative process starts with coffee hahah! I’m all about slow mornings. I think the more space we can give ourselves to receive ideas and work in flow, the easier and more enjoyable the creative process is once I pick up a paintbrush. Some days look jam-packed with painting, others are spent on client communication and admin. I love that my business affords me a level of freedom so creativity rarely feels rushed or forced.

Oh that’s a tough question, I think I have a couple of favourite things.

When working on client collaborations, my favourite thing is capturing the essence of their brand and story in a design that’s genuinely beautiful, and that their customers love. That translation from idea into art is so satisfying for me. When the client says, “it’s like you could read my mind, you could pick up on my vision immediately,” that’s always a good feeling. 

If I’m working on my own original pieces, it’s the experimentation. Especially when you work with watercolour, there’s an element of unpredictability, and I love being surprised when something works out better than I thought it might. Creative play really asks you to let go of your need for control, or fixation on a certain outcome, and be open to something serendipitous.

My little ones are now 7 and 11, so it's been a few years since I was able to wear my babies, but those are absolutely the days I miss.

My business was only six months old when I had my firstborn, so babywearing was a must. He would sleep on me while I worked, and I loved that feeling of always having him close.

When I had my daughter, I took babywearing to a whole other level. I swear she was on me 24/7. Maybe it was because I knew she'd be my last baby, or maybe because she absolutely hated the pram, but I just loved having her with me all the time.

Oh gosh, that’s like choosing my favourite child haha. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve created my favourite piece yet. I’m always striving to create my best work, and to me ‘best’ means honest work. It means art that comes through as pure expression, not something I’m trying to make perfect. Some of my most favourite pieces are not the ones that are popular, but the ones that feel the most like me.

I think I'd just like to use this question as a reminder that we're all creative. Creativity isn't reserved for artists. It's in the way we solve problems, question the way things have always been done, stay curious, and trust that we each have a unique way of seeing the world. I truly believe that when we honour that, we create lives that feel more joyful, meaningful and authentic.