Meet the Artist: Tara Reed

She left her nine-to-five in 2020 to draw full time. Tara Reed on botanical illustration, crying at things in nature, and the cat and the fox she drew for us.

A surface pattern designer behind our all-new Miu and Copper designs.

Tara Reed harnesses her love of nature and color to create striking illustrations and surface patterns. She is a global illustrator, designer, and licensing artist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bursting with color and energizing patterns, Tara's artwork catches the eyes (and hearts) of many — including leaders in the fabric world.

The Designs: Miu and Copper

The Miu design carries the cat through a soft, sunlit garden — the animal ancient Egypt kept close for its grace, mystery, and quiet independence. Elegant feline silhouettes wind among yellow sunflowers and lilac blooms on a cream ground washed with pale blue. On a light, low-profile sneaker, it's the brightest, most effortless thing you'll pair with jeans, shorts, or a dress.

Available in the Miu Jogger and Miu Tennis.

The Miu design by Tara Reed — cats among yellow sunflowers and lilac blooms on a cream ground

The Copper design wanders the heart of England's legendary Sherwood Forest at golden hour, where a red fox slips through the trees beneath the watchful eyes of an owl — cunning and wisdom sharing the same wood. The sky softens into peach and amber, a warm sunset glow settling over everything.

Available in the Copper Bootie, Copper Tennis, Copper Vegan Trekk Boot, and Copper Slip On.

The Copper design shown across Inkkas styles

Q&A with Tara Reed

How did you first get into art and design?

My mom was a watercolor artist when I was a kid, so it's always been a part of my life. There was never even a question in my mind — it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. My late aunt Phoebe and Great Grandmother Anna were also artists, so it was always meant for me.

Art was the only thing I ever wanted to do.

Tara Reed's Miu artwork in detail

Where does your inspiration come from?

I love visiting art museums in different cities. I always get so inspired after soaking up all of the beauty. I'm also inspired by early 20th century botanical and scientific illustrations. My main source of inspiration, though, is the natural world. I'm one of those people who will start crying at something in nature because it's so beautiful.

The Copper design by Tara Reed — a red fox among forest trees at golden hour

Is art a hobby or your full-time job?

Yes, it is my full-time job! I quit my 9-5 job in 2020 to do art full time. It has been my lifelong dream to earn a living with my art. It has not been an easy journey, but I am so grateful that I was able to fight through all of the self doubt to get to the other side.

It has been my lifelong dream to earn a living with my art.

Tara Reed's designs shown across Inkkas styles

What medium do you prefer to work with?

I have a background in watercolor and acrylic painting, but things didn't really click for me until I switched to digital. I could never quite get the colors I was craving with traditional media. Color is one of the most important aspects of my art, and I am finally able to explore limitless color combinations until the perfect one hits. It feels really weird to say that I prefer digital after being a painter for most of my life! I am currently using an iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and love the Procreate app.

The Copper design by Tara Reed — an owl and fox among autumn trees