Tara McCauley.
SUZANNE Jackson is famed as the creator of the most successful beauty and fashion blog in Ireland ‘So Sue Me’.
She is a columnist for Xpose magazine and last year she published her first book which was a sell out in Ireland and internationally. Suzanne has established a very successful commercial blog that now has up to 600,000 international readers.
Suzanne, who started SoSueMe.ie just four years ago has recently announced some very exciting news!
She is currently in the process of writing her second book which should be on the shelves by Christmas, the perfect stocking filler!
When I spoke with her last week about the new book she said: “I’m really excited about my second book!
“It’s brand new content with a different twist this time featuring NYC, NYFW. With a cool chapter telling girls who follow in my footsteps, if you want something you have to chase a dream, work hard and things will happen!”
Last week, she invited her readers to take part in an exciting competition which would win them the opportunity to work with her to create the illustrations for her second book.
Tara’s drawing which won the competition.
I am delighted to announce that a Donegal lady has been chosen for the job!Introducing Tara McCauley, a 22-year-old beauty from Redcastle.
On speaking with Tara she said: “I couldn’t believe she was giving one of her readers such a huge opportunity and felt like it was an opportunity I just couldn’t miss out on.
“I sent Suzanne my illustration at 11pm that night as I was contemplating on whether or not to send it and she had replied within minutes saying how she that loved it. I was so thrilled that she liked it and never expected her to even reply as I know how busy she is.”
Tara said that she knew that illustration was something she had a passion for and wanted to spend all of her time drawing.
In September 2009, Tara started NWRC in Derry were she did a one year foundation course in art and design specializing in textiles.
Shortly after, she went to the national college of Ireland in Co. Galway were she studied History and geography for three years.
Tara said that she doesn’t regret her time in Galway and it had made her realize more than ever that art and fashion was all that she wanted to do.
She said: “I’m more passionate about art than I ever was and determined to make it my dream career. Instead of listening in the lectures in college I’d be doodling and dreaming of bigger things.”
Tara is currently doing an online dress-making course in Kilroy’s College, Dublin which she thoroughly enjoys.
“The option of going back to college and getting my fashion degree is also on the cards, I just think it’s never too late to do what you want and that is definitely been my attitude after Galway.”
Since receiving this wondering news Tara has received so many lovely comments and said she is overwhelmed by the response.
“When Suzanne told me the great news that I had been chosen I felt like I was dreaming and couldn’t believe that she had chosen me out of all the talented artists who had entered.
“It’s such a surreal experience and one I have always dreamed of. I can’t wait to get stuck into it the work now and I’m very excited to be working with one of Ireland’s most influential women in the fashion industry.”
Suzanne Jackson.
Suzanne is also delighted to have Tara on board. “I’m really excited to be working with Tara- she’s über-talented and her work is incredible.
“I chose her because of the glam she incorporated into the sketch. The image was so like me! Myself, my mum and readers loved that one too, so I went with my gut instinct. My gut is never wrong, but I was blown away by the entries.
“I had over 500 people email me- it was very overwhelming. I thought I’d get about 20 applications and they came in in their 100’s. There are some seriously talented artists in Ireland. They were all incredible and so different but Tara’s jumped off the page to be. It was exactly what I was looking for.”
I wish Tara the very best of luck with her new job and I am looking forward to seeing her work when the book is published at Christmas.
If you would like to contact Tara for a commission please contact her on taramccauley21@gmail.com.
Tara’s advice for any upcoming artists or illustrators is “I believe in the saying ‘If you can dream it you can achieve it’, and it’s true anything is possible”.
Zara McDaid can be contacted on Facebook, search ‘Zara Mc Daid Art’, www.zaramcdaid-art.blogspot.ie or e-mail is zaramcdaid@hotmail.com
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