Sally Spratt is the creative genius behind coveted instagram account ‘The Lust List’. With a mantra of “If I can’t have them, I’ll draw them”, Sally has illustrated some of the most desired beauty products on the planet. Now thanks to the success of her designs, Sally is not only able to afford many of these prestige products, she’s also in demand across the nation as the who’s who of beauty line up to work with her.
RESCU: Where did your inspiration come from to start The Lust List and a drawing a day Instagram?
Sally Spratt: It started with me trying different illustration styles and sketching different luxe brands & products that I was lusting after, in-between freelance design jobs. I began by posting on my personal Instagram account, then the more I illustrated and posted, the faster it grew. It wasn’t long before I decided to start a new account and dedicate it to ‘The Lust List’. I had wonderful encouragement from friends and other illustrators that pushed me to keep going. I was never short of inspiration as the lust for the luxe life was genuine. With the appreciation for social media and a love for magazines, I’m never at a loss of things to draw.
RESCU: Where did your passion for beauty come from, and what inspired you to recreate the bottled product in art form?
Sally Spratt: After studying graphic design, I can appreciate the finer details of packaging and design, from the shape of the bottles to their labels and the way they are presented. Some of the details are so intricate I wanted to try and draw them. I recently drew the new Valentino Donna fragrance and think their design is beautiful.
RESCU: Was The Lust List an overnight success?
Sally Spratt: I wouldn’t say it was an overnight success, however a few things lined up and I got my “break”. I left my job as a graphic designer in the pursuit of a career in Illustration two years ago. For the first four months I worked many jobs trying to keep my dream alive. I gave myself a six-month bracket to make it as an illustrator or go back to graphic design. So I worked as much as I could with freelance jobs and creating artwork I could sell.
I was determined to make it work.
My first couple of posts generated a huge response on Instagram and Tumblr, and I was having so much fun creating each of the illustrations that I decided to keep going, and turn it into a permanent fixture.
By my sixth month I had built up quite a following and I thought I might be able to do something with this. I sent out a batch of Christmas cards to a few people, one of them being Roxy Jacenko and got the call to work with her. It has been an incredible journey ever since!
I follow the ‘if I can’t have them, I’ll draw them’ mantra for every post I create, and I think this really resonates with the community of followers I’ve built up.
RESCU: What’s your go-to weekday beauty look?
Sally Spratt: Natural. I wear tinted moisturizer, a little bronzer on the cheekbones, natural eye shadow, a thin dash of eyeliner and some mascara to finish. I like to keep it simple and fresh.
RESCU: Who is your beauty muse?
Sally Spratt: Bridget Bardot. I love her big, tousled, unkempt hair & liquid liner eyes, She oozes confidence and sexiness.
RESCU: When it comes to skincare products, what are your daily essentials?
Sally Spratt: I love La Mer Brightening Infusion & Crème de la Mer Ultrarich Cream which I use every morning before make-up. I finish off my look with Nude By Nature, nude eye-shadow and bronzer, Stila Liquid Liner, YSL Touche Eclat and Lancome Virtuôse Mascara.
I also love Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+. It’s a three-in-one. It moisturises, it’s a sunscreen and it has a tint. It’s a must for everyday.
RESCU: What’s your advice for women in the initial stages of their career?
Sally Spratt: Hard work pays off! And do something you love and you’ll never feel like you’re working.
RESCU: What’s next for The Lust List?
Sally Spratt: I would love to expand my business and get a few more people on board, growing digitally and also into products. I have a few new stationary items coming soon and am also continually developing my wrapping paper, gift cards and A3 prints.
RESCU: What are your top three most luxurious fashion buys?
Sally Spratt: Coach Bag & Wallet, Willow Zip Jacket, Lover Dress
RESCU: Describe your typical Christmas Day, any luxe touches involved?
Sally Spratt: Christmas Day is full of family, food, Christmas carols and the smell of pine. When we have Christmas at home Mum decorates the house with wreaths, holly and stars. It is an abundance of red, green and gold. Mum’s one for the details so it is always a beautifully styled day.
