Sheffield-based artist Emily Redfearn has painted a bespoke design on our car for this year’s Bangers and Cash rally, helping us raise vital funds for Roundabout – Sheffield’s leading homeless charity for young people.
We spoke to her to find out why she chose to get involved and what inspired her eye-catching design for the car.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am an Illustrator and animator born and raised in Sheffield. I have previously worked at various agencies in the graphic design and motion design industry, before going freelance over three years ago. I am represented in the UK by Roar illustration agency, and I also lecture at Sheffield Hallam University from time to time.
I love to incorporate vibrant colours into my illustrations and character designs. and I also regularly include illustrated lettering in my work. Some of my previous commissions include character design, packaging, posters, animations for TV ads, documentaries and social media content.
Why did you want to get involved in the Bangers and Cash event?
I loved the idea of such a creative fundraiser and painting on car bonnets, but I am also very passionate about the cause. I used to work at a café that worked closely with helping the homeless. This opened my eyes to the extremely difficult world that many people face and the challenging circumstances that can result in the cycle of homelessness. Previously, I have worked with The Archer Project and Printed by Us, so I was very keen to work with Roundabout as well.
What inspired your bonnet design?
I enjoy a good pun and wanted something speed related to be incorporated into the design. I thought a skateboard would be a fun way to showcase this. The dog character was inspired by a combination of my dachshund Ernie and my mum’s doodle Eddie. Fast & Furryous seemed a fitting name.
What specifically did you do to the car and what was the process like?
Once the car bonnet was safely at my house, I gave it a thorough clean down before priming it with a white spray paint.
After the few primer coats had finished drying, I used a projector to display the design I created onto the bonnet so I could sketch the design out with a light blue chalk pencil.
For my coloured paints, I used vibrant emulsion paints in a wide variety of colours and tones. For the outline of the design, I used black posca pens to add contrast to the bright colours.
At the end I used varnish to seal the design and a black varnish paint to touch up some of the black detailing after it had dried. All together it took around four days to complete, and it was so much fun!
Is this your first time working with Henry Boot Construction and what led to you teaming up with them for this?
It was my first time working with Henry Boot Construction, but I knew of the company and the great work they do.
All the teams participating in Bangers and Cash had to choose their favourite design from a range of local artists. Thankfully, very quickly into the process, Team Henry Boot & Whittam Cox Architects chose my design. Henry Boot Construction kindly transported the bonnet to and from all the locations, including my house, so I could work on it.
Richard, Craig and Dave have been awesome to work with and I’m so excited to see their updates on the Rally!
What do you think are the key benefits of these kinds of social value endeavors?
Aside from raising incredible amounts of money for Roundabout’s vital work, the event will greatly increase the levels of awareness regarding challenging living circumstances. This can help to break the stigma of homelessness and create conversations about solutions.
Events like this help remind us not to turn a blind eye to the struggles that many people face. The money raised from the rally and auction will help Roundabout do so many amazing things, ranging from mediation to drop-in advice services, as well as running their emergency accommodation hostel.
For more information or to view Emily’s work visit her website.
