Melbourne designer and illustrator Ellie King has always had an eye for sourcing crazy beautiful homewares from all corners of the world and internet. Her online store Pieces 4 Places is a trove of cool things to decorate your domestic sphere. If you’ve ever been in the market for Seinfeld salt and pepper shakers or prawn fridge magnets it could be the place for you. Alongside the site, she also creates cool things under her own label Rittle. Her personal offerings include plush pillows, t-shirts and most recently ceramics decorated with her signature cartoon-style doodles. Her love of the weird and stylish is evident through her irreverent Instagram, that constantly proves that funny and chic don’t need to be mutually exclusive. We caught up with Ellie to talk about life, art and the internet.
Name?
Ellie King.
Instagram handle?
@rittleking.
Nickname?
There have been a few but the ones that have stuck are June Bug, Kingy when I’m being a troublemaker and Rittle King when I’m working.
Where are you right now?
In my studio in Melbourne.
What do you do for work?
Anything that will pay me—that usually constitutes designing, embroidering or selling second hand goods.
What do you do for fun?
I really like working, going to markets and trawling eBay.
Who was your hero in high school?
I don’t think I had a hero yet—only crushes—so I guess Julian Casablanca and his eyebrows.
Who is your hero now?
Picasso.
Who are the members of your dream girl gang?
Fran Fine and Kate Bush, but I think I’d rather have a mixed gang than just girls. So I’d also have Louis C K and David Mitchell in there.
What lyric sums you up?
“Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens” from Heaven by Talking Heads.
What song will forever put you in a good mood?
Steely Dan’s Peg. Just try not to dance—it’s impossible!
What do you cook when you want to impress someone?
Thirty clove roast chicken with potatoes. OH BABY.
What’s your dream pet?
Sloth.
What’s something that you’re passionate about?
Trying not to be wasteful, and chicken and chips.
What TV show will you never get sick of?
Peep Show.
What’s your secret party trick?
Getting anyone to tell me their secrets before sunrise!
If you had to wear one label for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could afford it I’d say Prada, but in reality that is not a reality.
What’s your favourite home ware in your house?
Tough one; I have so many that mean too much to me to pick one, but I’d say my Pia Murphy masks and the first vase I ever made.
What’s your favourite thing to draw?
Cartoon faces.
Who are your favourite artists?
Ken Price, Picasso and David Hockney.
What do you love about the internet?
That I can buy whatever I want from the places I’ll never make it to.
When did you join Instagram?
Four years ago.
Describe your “Instagram aesthetic”?
Colour and close-ups.
Who are your three favourite people to follow on Instagram?
Local artists that are doing great things like @matlokgritsngravy and @blue__ruin, and then for garden inspiration @shitgardens.
Where else can we find you online?
rittle.com.au
Country or city?
City.
Britney or Beyonce?
Britney.
Health food or junk food?
Junk food.
Heels or sneakers?
Sneakers.
Early mornings or late nights?
I like early mornings but I probably have more late nights.
Dating or hanging out?
Dating.
Hotels or camping?
Hotels.