“We recently stumbled across a Citymob sale that featured the beautiful work of Cape Town based artist, Natalia Segerman. We were immediately drawn to her stunning patchwork-like illustrations that feature intricate use of pattern and colour. Even though the Citymob sale has no since closed (sad face), we just had to share Natalia and amazing work with you…”

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself… where you’re from, what you do, any likes / dislikes?

I live in Cape Town with my boyfriend and our two cats. I think I have creative ADD. I studied interior decorating, I love doing interiors and décor for events and weddings, I’ve dabbled in jewellery design and I used to be a musician once upon a time. As long as I’m being creative I’m happy.

Q: How did you get into the illustration business? Do you have an art or design background?

I started taking my drawing seriously while travelling last year. When I got back I taught myself some design programmes so that I could edit my illustrations and add colour to them. I have no formal training in fine art beyond matric. I’ve learn’t everything I know from hours of practice and the help from some very patient friends when I get stuck.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from when designing?

I am inspired by the patterns that I see in everyday things like burglar bars, floor rugs, architecture, textiles and nature. I spend a lot of time on Pinterest browsing for interesting images.

Q: Is there a certain style you admire or aspire to?

I really look up to an artist that I met at Boom Festival last year in Portugal. His name is Shrine and he is an amazing illustrator and installation artist. His work is very pattern based and he uses found objects to create the most beautiful artworks. My dream job would be to design textiles. I’m in love with New York fashion designer Mara Hoffman.

Q: Do you have a colour that you favour most and why?

I definitely have colour combinations that I naturally gravitate towards in my work. It’s a constant challenge to try new colours and see where they lead me. It’s always interesting when you get a design brief to use a colour that you really don’t like and after working with it and doing research you learn to love it.

Q: Could you share your Secret Indulgence with us?

I spend way too much time on Pinterest and I secretly love watching bad reality TV shows. I love really retro textiles and I can’t help buying crazy second hand dress up clothes when I find them.

Q: What is your favourite current décor trend?

I’m loving pixelated images, and modern cross stitch and embroidery. I’m working on a range of modern and abstract floral designs. I don’t know if they’re trending for anyone else but it’s all I can think about at the moment.

Q: Tell us five things on your Bucket List…

I want to design my own textile range.

I want to own and decorate my dream home.

I want to see Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros live in concert.

I want to get married in the desert at Afrikaburn.

I want to learn and master more design software.

Q: What do you have on your bedside table at the moment?

A pot plant made out of cardboard that I found outside my house, a measuring tape, spectacles, tissues, perfume and Prestik.

Q: Future plans?

To keep designing and finding different applications for my work.