Inspiring Women – Philippa Coules: Colour, Joy And The Beauty Of Everyday Moments

Sometimes, all it takes to brighten a grey day is the perfect shade of blue on a stylish shoe or the vibrant red of a tomato in a delicious pasta dish. At Don Fisher, we have a massive soft spot for creatives who know how to capture the magic of ordinary things, which is exactly why we couldn't wait to share this conversation with you. Today, we are stepping into the vibrant universe of Philippa Coules, the brilliant UK-based lifestyle illustrator behind Sundaymood.art. Juggling a thriving freelance career with the wild and wonderful ride of raising a toddler, Philippa creates art that is a true visual feast. Her bold, high-contrast pieces elevate everyday elements, from chic winter coats to the ingredients for your favorite meal, into celebrations of joy. Grab a cozy seat and join us as we explore how she turned her casual TV-time sketches into a successful business, her secrets for mixing digital art with organic pencil textures, and why making time for yourself is the ultimate art form. You’ve mentioned that you started your account back in 2017 when you were feeling a little bit lost after university, and drawing was simply a way to carve out time to be creative. Looking back at those half-hour sketches while watching TV, how does it feel to see how much your colourful universe has grown since then?

It’s really wild when I think about it! I started my Instagram account at a time when I didn’t really know what to do with my life. Drawing was something I always had — almost like a safety blanket. I knew it was a career I wanted, but getting there felt murky and difficult to grasp at times. It was very much a ‘one step in front of the other’ situation, until the years passed and you suddenly see the full journey behind you. There were definitely themes in my work back then that have stayed with me, though, like my use of colour and line, as well as the subject matter. At the beginning, I followed trends, and there was a time when I tried to make myself appear more commercial by illustrating in a way that wasn’t really ‘me’, because I thought that was what I should be doing. Eventually, I realised that I could create the work I genuinely enjoy and find most fulfilling, and that the right opportunities would follow, which is the type of work I’d want to be doing anyway. It feels really rewarding to look back now, and I’m proud of my younger self for sticking with it.



Your profile describes your work as 'colourful, joyful & bold art,' and we couldn't agree more! As a UK-based lifestyle illustrator, where do you find the inspiration to infuse such vibrant energy into your everyday scenes and stylish characters?

Thank you! I have a background in graphic design, so colour has always been a huge part of my process. Honestly, a lot of the inspiration comes from editorial fashion photography or interior design. I’m also inspired by vintage book illustrations that use limited but vibrant palettes. I like my work to feel high-contrast, and I often try to push myself outside my comfort zone when it comes to colour palettes. I almost see the subject matter in my work as block shapes first, and then build the illustration from there.



Balancing a creative career with raising a 'very active and lovely toddler' is a true art form! You recently shared that your 'me time' has become even more precious. How do you manage to find those quiet moments to keep your creativity flowing amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood?

I definitely don’t take it for granted anymore, as time is much more scarce now — and so is the energy! For me, personal work is really important in keeping my creative flow going and reminding myself of the joyful, almost meditative feeling I get when I’m creating just for me. I’ve discovered that it’s something I genuinely need in order to feel connected to myself. Since becoming a mother, I definitely lost touch with parts of my identity at times, so drawing has been really important in helping me reconnect with that.



Your illustrations feature a wonderful mix of chic fashion looks with fabulous coats and delicious, everyday food layouts, like the ingredients for a perfect Napolina pasta dish! What draws you to illustrate these particular lifestyle moments?

A lot of it comes down to what brings me joy. Those moments feel like little pockets of freedom, whether that’s an outfit, the personal items people carry around with them, or even a meal. For me, it’s about pausing and reflecting on the small moments in life that are precious and beautiful.



We love how you involve your audience in your process, like when you asked them about turning your food illustrations into everyday grocery tote bags. How important is that community connection when deciding what new prints or products to add to your Sundaymood shop?

It’s really important. I want to build a community where I can connect with other creatives, or with people who connect with my work in some way. I love hearing an outside perspective on what they’d like to see from me. It keeps me motivated, and it’s lovely to feel that support and understand what people are drawn to and would enjoy buying from my shop, because that’s part of the reason I create in the first place.



You’ve worked on some amazing projects with clients like Brochu Walker, Breathe Magazine, and Chronicle Books. What has been your favorite part of bringing your bold, joyful style into the editorial and publishing world?

I love the process of working with clients to reach the final outcome. It’s about combining my illustrative style and outlook with the image they need. My favourite part is, of course, seeing the finished piece online or in print, but I also really enjoy the journey of getting there. I also love receiving positive feedback from the client and building a good relationship. It’s such a nice feeling when everything aligns!



Even though you work digitally, your illustrations have such a wonderful, organic texture that almost feels like pastels or colored pencils. Can you share a little bit about your creative process and how you achieve that signature tactile look in your pieces?

Although I use an iPad to draw, I almost always use a pencil-style brush when creating and colouring my illustrations. I love the balance of bold, almost graphic compositions with a softer, more organic texture. Once I’ve finished the illustration, I like to add a grain overlay to mimic a paper-like texture, which gives the work that slightly tactile, retro feel that I love. Even though the work is digital, I still want it to feel warm, human and handmade, almost a bit cosy.



Through your vibrant depictions of ordinary things, a chic striped scarf, a fresh loaf of bread, or a bright blue shoe, you really celebrate the joy in the everyday. In a sentence, what do you hope people feel when they hang one of your prints in their homes?

I hope it reminds people to treasure the simple pleasures in life, like putting on that jumper that makes you feel happy and confident, and brings a little extra joy and creativity into their homes.



Philippa’s journey is a beautiful reminder that our truest creative voices emerge when we stop trying to fit a commercial mold and simply create what brings us joy. We are walking away from this chat feeling completely inspired to look a little closer at the everyday objects around us, and maybe add a bold pop of colour to our wardrobes, too! We cannot thank her enough for carving out some of her precious 'me time' to share her story and her creative process with us. If you want to keep your daily feed looking fabulous and bright, be sure to follow her lifestyle illustrations over on Instagram and check out her gorgeous prints to bring some of that signature warmth into your own home. Keep finding those little pockets of freedom in your day, and stay inspired!

To our readers, we encourage you to follow Philippa on Instagram and stay connected to her bold, colorful world. With new ideas constantly taking shape and exciting collaborations ahead, there are surely many more joyful everyday moments for her to bring to life through her illustrations.

Interview conducted by Agostino Lo nardo, part of Don Fisher’s crew