Following her creative passion was always on the cards for Annabelle, designer and business woman behind local art business Wilderness Road. Starting out 'doodling' patterns eventually progressed into the beautiful, zentangle- style artwork we see today.

Annabelle's use of colour and style has created unique art that's easy to pair with many styles of decor and give any room a bit of flair. We have a chat with Annabelle to find out more about her business and what she'd like to see happen in the future of Wilderness Road.

Tell us how you started your business and why?
I started my business Wilderness Road simply from drawing these sorts of patterns in school and continued to develop my skills as a hobby for a couple of years. Friends and family started to really encourage me and I began selling a couple of prints here and there. Around a year ago, I had a serious knee injury, which put me out of my normal work (waitressing) and this pushed me into realising that I could do more with my drawings. I started doing the markets and haven’t looked back. Being a part of local community events has really gained a lot of recognition and support from all sorts of people and has allowed me to establish the perfect platform for my business and career as an artist.

Around a year ago, I had a serious knee injury, which put me out of my normal work (waitressing) and this pushed me into realising that I could do more with my drawings.

What is your favourite product and why?

My favourite products tend to change all the time. I love the “Blue Giants” - the colours are my absolute favourite. “The World” is also one of my favourites. Anything that reminds me of traveling and seeing the world will always resonate within me.

What’s special/unique about your products?

I think my illustrations offer an originality and authenticity that is very rare and different. I never really plan what my drawings are going to turn out like, so it's always a surprise and I suppose allows that unique and special quality to come through. I think my attention to detail also offers an imaginative quality that allows the viewer to look much further than just a quick skim over the page.

My attention to detail also offers an imaginative quality that allows the viewer to look much further than just a quick skim over the page.

What’s new for your business over the next 12 months?

I would like to see my skills develop further as an artist. I think learning to incorporate different elements of art using various mediums and techniques will allow me to reach a wider audience as well as preserving my particular style throughout each piece. I would eventually love to be able to see my drawings and artworks printed on anything possible, from home-ware such as cushions and blankets to stationary like diaries and pencil cases.

Where’s your favourite place to go in Byron Bay?

Depending on how I’m feeling, there are a couple of places I love to be able to escape to in Byron Bay. Tallows is one of my favourite beaches but I also love to get lost around the hills in Bangalow and Myocum. Anywhere that offers that sense of serenity and peace is somewhere I will always be happy to be.

What’s your favourite time of the year in the Shire?

As I only moved here in May of 2015, I am yet to experience all the seasons around Byron Bay but I think coming into Autumn will be the nicest time of the year. It’s still a lovely temperature (not too hot or cold) and the hype and bustle of Summer tends to mellow out a lot more.