Meet Phoebe Tillem, founder of Phoebe Paints in Los Angeles. Phoebe is a true creator – she received her BA in Art History and Fine Arts from the University of San Francisco, and studied graphic design at Pratt University. She draws from nature and loves a good floral.
Her first collection of hand painted sneakers debuted Spring 2017 with Mother Denim. They were featured on Vogue Paris and The Zoe Report.
Other collaborations include a hand-painted denim collection for Ron Herman Japan, and live custom painting for Victoria’s Secret, Topshop, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole, Schutz Shoes, Elyse Walker, and Sephora. AND….most recently Goldfaden MD! We partnered with Phoebe earlier this month when we launched our Mist RX and our cosmetic bag collaboration with Jennifer Lia where she customized the bags for all of our attendees.
Take a look at our in-depth interview with Phoebe below.
Where did you get your initial idea for your paintings and collaborating with brands?
A few years ago I bought some leather paint and started making custom sneakers for friends. Collaborating with brands and customizing their products just grew naturally from there.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration in nature. My favorite thing about Instagram is the easy access to so many artists of all different mediums – so much inspiration! And I try to get to new exhibitions whenever I have time.
Did you always want to be an artist?
I’ve always loved to paint and create, so I knew from a young age that art was an important part of my life. However, I didn’t consider doing it professionally until I started getting requests for custom work and illustrations. Then it all made sense! I cried when I received my first check for something I painted and haven’t looked back.
Background image on your iphone?
Poppies on a cliff in Big Sur. (I’m from California, what can I say?)
What are your go-to daily beauty products and why?
I use the Goldfaden MD Pure Start Cleanser, I have very sensitive skin and it doesn’t dry it out! I follow that with some Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum. I like to mix a CC cream with a moisturizer, right now my go-to is the Goldfaden MD Vital Boost Moisturizer and It Cosmetics CC cream. For everything but the face, I love Evan Healy Sweet Blossom Body Oil.
Why is clean beauty important for you?
My aunt taught me at a young age that your skin is the body’s largest organ, so what you put on it and what you consume matters.
How do you de-stress?
I’m big on journaling in the morning, and I drink tea or red wine (or both) at night. Nothing beats a walk, a hike, or a dip in the ocean on weekends. I also credit my dog, Daisy, with my positive outlook on life.
Favorite mood-boosting meal?
Anything with fresh, colorful produce. I like to make a salad with fresh lettuces, roast veggies, avocado, and hemp seeds. And then sometimes, I just need a really good pasta.
What is your daily mantra?
“There is no good, bad, right, or wrong.” It’s a reminder that I’m here to learn and grow, not to judge, and I don’t always get to decide what that looks like. Sometimes you get exactly what you thought you wanted and it’s terrible, other times you miss out on an opportunity you thought was perfect only to let something so much better in.
Phoebe painting away at our Mist RX event in Los Angeles
