At ONE®, artists and designers are at the core of everything we do. We’re passionate about celebrating self-expression in bold, unexpected ways, which is why we collaborate with creators from around the globe to ignite meaningful conversations about sexual health. This month, we’re thrilled to unveil a brand-new ONE® t-shirt featuring artwork from our iconic wrapper design contest. To celebrate this launch, we sat down with the talented artist behind the design, Hannah Francis, to dive into her creative journey and the inspiration behind her work. Get ready to be inspired!
Hi, Hannah! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm an illustrator from Philadelphia! I'm obsessed with bright colors, glamour + grossness, wordplay, and love.
When did you first start getting into art and illustration?
I've been drawing since I was a child! My mom would tell me I’d spend all day at the table just drawing until it was time for the next meal. I feel like I accidentally became an illustrator. I majored in Illustration with the intention to practice art therapy until an art therapist literally told me I should figure out a new career. Naturally feeling so lost, I found inspo in a Killer Acid shirt with a banana on it that said "Later Hater.” That changed my life. I knew then I wanted to create illustrations that sparked joy in people.
What artists or styles inspire your work?
I'm very inspired by Pippa Toole, Linda Chen (Creepy Gals), and John Waters.
How do your interests outside of art fuel your artwork?
Great question; it has me thinking if I have grand interests outside of art. It runs my life.
What art medium do you use the most and what do you like about it?
I'm a digital diva! Most of my work is created on Procreate. I'm obsessed with the undo button. I love how easy it is to take on the go and that there's an ease in messing up.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
When I can stand back at a piece and go, "damn maybe I am pretty good at my job". That checkpoint always varies per piece.
Your illustrations have appeared in our wrapper designs contests many times over the years! How did you first hear about ONE® and the condom wrapper design contest?
I think there was an Instagram ad! I remember sending it to my college art friends group chat and all of us being so geeked about the opportunity. Placing in the 2020 ONE® Condoms contest to me was a stamp of approval that I can keep this illustration thing going.
Why did you want to participate in the ONE® wrapper contest?
With my work being so goofy and intended to make people laugh, I thought it would relieve stress some people feel around sex. I'm a huge advocate for reproductive and sexual liberation.
Why did you choose to submit your “glam swamp creature” illustration to the design contest?
She's gorgeous! The world needed to see this one.
What are you working on at the moment?
Currently I'm working on my annual themed Valentine's Day shindig. This year is space themed: "Straight from Venus." Coming together for the sake of love and laughter is everything right now in these troubling times. I love being able to create a fantasy space that people can participate in to forget about the outside world for a bit. I've been consumed with spacey lovecore artwork.
Where can people follow you online and find your work?
People can find me all over the internet: visit my Instagram page @hanfran.studio or my website hanfran.com! I'm super online.