Meet Nettie Wakefield, a London-based artist celebrated for her meticulous drawing practice and her ability to move effortlessly between mediums. Since launching her career in 2010, she has explored sculpture, painting, collage and digital illustration, though drawing remains at the heart of her work.
We are speaking with Nettie because her approach to craft, observation and personal expression aligns closely with the values behind Tailor Made. Her art, precise yet playful, mirrors the way many of us relate to style: as a blend of creativity, identity and everyday ritual.
What inspired you to pursue your artistic practice, and how has your work evolved over time? What does your creative process look like today?
Since I started my career in 2010, I’ve experimented with many different media, including bronze sculpture, painting, drawing, and collage. Most recently, I really enjoy using Procreate with my Apple Pencil to play around with existing work and plan drawings. I always come back to drawing, though, it’s my greatest love. Today, I’m working on a commission for a brand-new hotel opening in 2026 in Shepherd Market. The work is an old Victorian-style looking map in pen and watercolour, which is quite large (A1 size) and has little detailed drawings of London, historic and contemporary, with the hotel in the centre. I’m enjoying it a lot. My studio overlooks the train tracks at Waterloo station, so I get to watch the city go by. I find this very soothing.
How do you define success - personally and professionally?
This is actually a very profound and deep question. I think, for me anyway, the idea of being “successful” changes as you get older. I feel very lucky to be able to continue and pursue my practice. To be doing what I love and to have friends and family around me who love me. That’s enough.
Your art and tailoring both demand a delicate, thoughtful approach. How does that sense of precision show up in your work?
I think with the fast pace of modern life, it forces you to slow down, observe, and pay attention, which I think is really meditative and important.
Could you share a bit about your upcoming collaboration with Mark Hix? What was that process like?
So this is the second collaboration Mark and I have done. The first was a book called ‘Hooked’ - Adventures in Angling and Eating. My black and white graphite illustrations, not only of fish, but portraits of Mark and his fishing buddies, featured throughout the book, replacing the usual food photography. This time, we joined forces again last year to create a colourful project, bringing art and food together, with a collection of framed prints to add to your kitchen wall. The prints combine seafood recipes by Mark, accompanied by detailed illustrations by me, to create a series of 28 limited edition artworks, ‘Fishy Tales’, printed in London’s Jealous Gallery and print studio. The idea was inspired by the Andy Warhol book Wild Raspberries. A colourful collab between him and Suzie Frankfurt, full of cake recipes with accompanying illustrations. People would buy the book and rip out the pages to frame and put on their walls. Due to the success of their Fishy Tales prints, which were exhibited in Jealous Gallery in November 2024, Mark and I have now published a book, just in time for Christmas. It’s a beautifully crafted 60-page coffee table book.
What role do clothes play in your life, and how would you describe your personal style?
I’ve always been very obsessed with clothes. My mum told me I would change my outfit 5 times a day as a child and put together some very strange outfits. A red sparkly hairband across my chest was a common feature. Essentially, for me. Choosing an outfit I like makes me feel the most myself.
Is there something you’re particularly excited about or looking forward to this autumn/winter season?
Our book launch !…. And obviously the outfits! Always a cashmere jumper, wool beret, leather blazer, long oversized coats, velvet or corduroy suits for warmth and style in the winter with a silk shirt and slim scarf. Dreamy. I also hold a Xmas open studio selling discounted work with wine and mince pies, which is always a joy.
