What are your favorite things to draw?

Animals and nature are what I’m drawn to the most, but sometimes other things strike my fancy like objects I own, shapes, or cityscapes. Mostly I draw things that reflect moments in my life. I also love creating geometric patterns from the ordinary, like the pebbles in a road or the reflectors on a bicycle.

Midtown Bedding, $16-109

How has living in the South influenced your style?

My color palette, which I think could be the most important aspect of my work, is heavily influenced by my life in the south. I tend to lean toward a warmer palette and will almost always choose a warm gray over a cool one. It seems to be a reflection of the warmer, sunnier skies that I miss so much now that I’m in NYC for a little while. I also love girly pastels, which are very much a part of the landscape and architecture of the south.

Flutter By Rug, $349-$749

What are the best and the hardest parts about being a full time artist?

The best part is being able to do work I feel good about and put it out into the world. This has all been a dream come true for me so seeing people connect with my work, having it brighten their home or just put a smile on their face – that feels very rewarding. I sometimes feel like my job is selfish because I love it so much, but knowing that makes it feel less so. The hardest part could be how very hard you have to work to make it as a working artist and business owner. I work more than most people I know and so do my friends in this industry. But the truth is I’m much happier working 80 hours a week doing what I love than not. 

Garden Party Bedding, $16-$129

What advice do you have for all the young artists out there?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Prepare to work hard. Be nice. Develop a voice that is purely a reflection of who you are. Most importantly, you will fail and there will be times when you’ll question everything you do. Don’t let that stop you. I’m fully convinced those who make it are the ones who keep going no matter what.

Bursting Bloom Flower Decals, $34.95-$59

What do you enjoy about the Holidays? Do you have any traditions of your own?

I love the holiday spirit this time of year the most! My biggest holiday tradition is probably watching Elf as many times as I possibly can.

Geometric Forest Tree Skirt, $59

Tell us about making the Geometric Forest and the Bearing Gifts patterns. What was your inspiration behind them?

I have a small (or rather large!) triangle obsession. Geometric Forest was created as part of a triangle based collection and ultimately it was perfect for the Land of Nod. Bearing Gifts was inspired by my love of animals and tribal prints, which created a festive twist on the two. 

Leah Duncan Holiday Stockings, $24.95-$28.95

How would you recommend customers style them in their homes?

I feel like these are a modern and fun spin on the holiday season, so they could be styled similarly with modern accessories in blue, white, and silver or gold tones. The holidays are a time when styling should be a little more light-hearted so my best suggestion would be to have fun with it!

Geometric Forest Holiday Décor, $24.95-$59

See all of Leah Duncan’s work for The Land of Nod here.

By Anna Passadori 

Anna develops and designs exclusive product for The Land of Nod. She hails from the west coast and has traveled the world to source product. She loves anything Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola or stripes! (So, if anyone can get a photo of Sofia Coppola wearing a striped outfit by Marc Jacobs, please send it along.)