
Kelly Thompson's artistic odyssey commenced as a fashion photographer, but her true brilliance shone through her captivating personal work, illustrating photography subjects that earned her a spot in the limelight and featured in over 15 esteemed design books. Inside Out Magazine hailed her as the one to watch in 2023, lauding her creativity and distinctive interior style that resonates with a wide audience.
About Kelly
KELLY IS A TRUE EXAMPLE OF AN ALL-ROUNDER, BEGINNING HER CAREER AS A PHOTOGRAPHER BEFORE SOMEWHAT ACCIDENTALLY FALLING INTO ILLUSTRATION AND GROWING TO BECOME A NOTED CREATIVE TASTE-MAKER.SHE HAS EXPERIENCED CREATIVE INDUSTRY FROM MANY ANGLES IN VARIOUS ROLES, ALL FEEDING HER EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO BECOME A DESIGN ALL-ROUNDER WITH A HONED CREATIVE EYE AND DISTINCT SENSE OF STYLE.
A seasoned speaker with a gift for engaging crowds, Kelly has graced more than 40 design and lifestyle events as a keynote speaker, event host, and workshop leader. Notably, she's been a standout at the prestigious Semi Permanent conference, as well as hosting delightful makeup art classes for Maybelline and captivating audiences as an emcee for David Jones.
In 2017, a formidable health challenge with CFS confronted Kelly, but her unyielding determination paved the way for an astounding recovery. Now an inspirational health advocate, she embODIES her role as a DIY home and garden enthusiast, proving that tenacity and effort can conquer any obstacle. Her authentic and positive approach endears her to many, earning her the mantle of a cherished role model who leads by example, inspiring and captivating her audience.
Clients adore Kelly for her infectious enthusiasm, unwavering professionalism, an abundance of imaginative ideas, technical prowess, personal flair, and hands-on dedication, solidifying her status as an inimitable and highly sought-after talent within the industry.
Services
Illustration
Kelly is an accomplished illustrator and designer available for commercial and private commissions.
Kelly has designed illustrations for perfume and food packaging, POS, editorial, textiles, PRODUCT, wallpaper and more.
See more of Kelly’s illustration work here
Styling
With a personal style that is reflected generously across all aspects of her life, clients seek Thompson’s thoughtful eye to create multifaceted spaces reflective of them, not trends. Her focus on collecting and championing independent designers and vintage ensures unique, richly layered spaces.
See more here
Public Speaking and Event Hosting
A confident and practised keynote speaker with extensive experience speaking to both large and intimate audiences. Amongst the things Kelly has spoken about are her own practice, creative community and roles of women in creative industry. Kelly has hosted events on behalf of clients and hosted PR events for brands. She is a positive and professional speaker and teacher.
learn more here
Publications and Awards
2019 - What Would She Do, Carlton Books
2018 - Stand Up Stand Out, Carlton Books
2014 - What I Love About Movies
2014 - Pride in Print Gold Award Winner
2014 - Curvy Book Feature Artist
2013 - Pride in Print Gold Award Winner
2013 - The Purple Book, Lawrence King Press
2013 - Darkness of Noon, Pearce Press
2011 - Hand Made Illustration, Monsa Publications
2010 - Trendy Fashion Illustrators, Monsa Publications
2010 - This is Fashion Illustration, Monsa Publications
2010 - The Beautiful, Gestalten Books
2010 - Curvy Book
2009 - Wooden Toy Quarterly, Handmade Edition
2009 - Curvy Book feature artist
2008 - Curvy Book
2007 - Curvy Book
Exhibitions
Solo
2011 - National Grid Gallery, Pyjama Party - Sydney
2010 - Superette Store, Chick Habit - Auckland
2009 - Gorker Gallery, Bookworms Never go to Bed Alone - Melbourne
2008 - Pixel Ink Gallery NZ, Recent Works - Wellington
2007 - Good as Gold Store, Women of my Dreams - Wellington
Group
2016 - Les Petit Fours - Friends of Leon Gallery
2014 - Curvy Exhibition - Semi Permanent - Sydney
2013 - Darkness of Noon The Department Store -Auckland
2013 - Darkness of Noon Edmund Pearce Gallery - Melbourne
2012 - Curvy Book launch exhibition - Wellington
2012 - Kathryn Wilson Art of Shoes,The Northern Club - Auckland
2010 - 22,National Grid Gallery - Sydney
2010 - Article 19, Amnesty International- Auckland
2010 - Forty Thieves, Gorker Gallery - Melbourne
2009 - Paint Your Heart Out, ruby Boutique - Auckland
2009 - Love Hurts, Tattooed Heart Gallery - Auckland
2009 - A Tale of Two Kellys, Per Square Metre Gallery - Melbourne
2009 - Handdrawn, Wooden Toy Magazine, Gorker Gallery - Melbourne
2009 - Curvy Book exhibition - Sydney
2009 - Frankie Magazine exhibition - Brisbane
2008 - Fashion Week Gallery - Auckland
2008 - Manky Chops Gallery - Wellington
Education
Bachelor of Design (Hons) - Massey University Wellington
Introductory Jewellery accredited course - Melbourne Polytechnic
Contact Kelly
Questions? Feedback? Interested in chatting about your project?
Please take a few moments to fill out the form below and we'll be in contact with you shortly.
Alternatively, you can
email hello@kellythompsoncreative.com
phone :+61 412 312 105
What Clients Are Saying About Kelly
“Kelly is unbelievably talented. Her skill in illustrating makes you question if it was done by hand. She is also very professional. I would work with her again and recommend to anyone”
Wynn Crawshaw - Designer Wynn Hamlyn
Working with Kelly on the MINI Clubman project allowed us to create unique content that raised brand awareness and engaged new audiences in a meaningful way. Kelly was a collaborative and efficient influencer throughout the entire project. All social content produced for the campaign had an authentic tone of voice and distinctive visual style. If you’re looking for someone to create thumb stopping social content for your brand, contact Kelly Thompson.
Sam Snowden - Social Media Strategist at Ogilvy Australia
We are thrilled to have Kelly on board as our ongoing host and moderator for the CURVY creative conferences and events. Her depth of knowledge across all topics, speakers and their relevant industries is stunning. As a host she pulls all together seamlessly and does so in a fun and disarming manner that is a joy to watch and be part of. Her passion for female empowerment and the creative community shines through in all that she does.
We have a greater than 10 year history with Kelly, who has been part of the CURVY community since day one – and we look forward to many more.
I cannot recommend her highly enough
Rob Bergin - Founder CURVY Creative Conferences
To celebrate International Women’s day and to launch the Marimekko #Growthstory campaign in 2018, Kelly was invited to our Chapel St store to speak to an exclusive audience about her own growth story and the path that she has taken to get her to where she is today. Kelly is an incredible professional person to work with, she not only captivated the audience with her inspirational talk but she also took the time afterwards to mingle and discuss her work further with the guests. We really loved working with Kelly and hope to do so again
Elly Winther - Marketing Manager Marimekko
Kelly is an amazing artist who has worked closely with our fashion brand Salasai. She communicates well and has a great style we love. Kelly has done numerous projects with Salasai from ad campaigns to social media blurbs and stying herself in Salasai is our favourite ...She has a great eye for detail and knows our customer well - We love working with Kelly Thompson, she's also a great friend.
Kirsha Whitcher - Founder, Salasai
I’ve had the joy of working with Kelly for over 10 years. If you know Kelly you will appreciate her warm generous presence, inquisitive attitude and love for life. We were extremely honoured to have Kelly present at five of our major symposiums across NZ and Australia. Kelly’s talks were articulate and moving. The workshops were all sell outs. Safe to say Kelly gained another 5000 fans each day if they weren’t already.
Simon Velvin - Director Semi Permanent NZ
“By chance, Kelly was recommended as a potential artist for a new cosmetic medical clinic I was planning (The Doctor’s Studio). Our concept was very visual and based around art. Kelly was great - bright, knowledgeable, talented, and fun to work with! Her illustrations were amazing - but more than that: she advised us on everything from branding to interior design to artist selection to website, and even did the art direction for our photo shoot. She’s just all-round brilliant!”
— DR David Topchian - Surgeon
I had the chance to work with Kelly in 2012 for the global launch of an Escada fragrance called Born in Paradise.
In the beginning Kelly was one of nine candidates on the pitch for the illustrations to be used on the packaging and the advertising campaign. Thanks to her motivation and her talent Kelly became an obvious choice, not only for our agency but also for the brand.
Beyond her undeniable talent, what I appreciated most was Kelly’s accessibility. No matter when we asked her to rework she was always available and worked very fast. All the agency’s staff and the client were very happy with the artworks that Kelly provided us. It was a very pleasant experience !
If one day I have another subject or client that requires illustration I’ll recommend Kelly without hesitation. I really would like to work with her one more time !
Romain Arrigoni - Directeur Artistique Grey Paris