Ellie Whittaker

Ellie Whittaker is an Australian fabric designer and illustrator based on the Gold Coast.12 She specializes in creating vibrant, whimsical, and distinctly Australian designs that she describes as "modern nostalgia".3

Career and Specialization

Ellie is the founder of Ellie Whittaker Studio, where she works as a freelance textile designer.4 Her designs are characterized by their bold, joyful, and often Aussie-inspired patterns.1 She has collaborated with several major Australian retailers, including:

• Spotlight
• Streets
• Best & Less
• Big W4

Background and Inspiration

Ellie's journey into fabric design is rooted in her upbringing. Her mother owned a country fabric store, and her grandmother was a skilled quilter.1 Despite this background, Ellie initially didn't consider herself "crafty" because she couldn't sew. Instead, she pursued art degrees and later found her niche in fabric design after having children.1

Her inspiration comes from:

• Australian landscapes, from bush to beach to rainforest
• Childhood memories
• Travel experiences
• Everyday moments that make her smile or laugh1

Design Philosophy

Ellie's approach to fabric design is centered on spreading joy and making people happy. She often incorporates subtle jokes or relatable elements into her designs, aiming to create fabrics that are not only trendy but also sentimental to their owners.1

Personal Life

Ellie is a mother of four tweens and lives with her family in what she describes as a "creekside paradise" in the Gold Coast hinterland.1 She balances her creative work with family life and the business aspects of running her studio.1

Ellie Whittaker has successfully turned her passion for design into a thriving career, combining her artistic skills with her love for Australian culture to create unique and joyful fabric designs that resonate with many.