The Stickers Have a Story…
Every year, our Advent Calendar is more than just candy; it’s an experience. From the cubes you unwrap to the candy you discover, every detail is designed to make December feel magical. And this year, the magic wouldn’t be complete without the artwork that ties it all together.
That’s where Tara comes in. She’s the brilliant illustrator behind our 2025 Advent Calendar stickers, the tiny pieces of art that decorate each cube and bring a little extra joy to your countdown. We wanted to give you the chance to meet the creative mind behind the designs, hear her story, and peek behind the curtain at how these festive little details come to life.
So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and get to know Tara from 2am.illustrations.
Q&A with Tara
I virtually sat down with Tara to chat about her art, her inspirations, and (because I had to ask) which Taylor Swift era she gravitates to the most. Let’s dive in!
Q: Can you tell us a little about your background as an artist?
A: I started painting and drawing from a very young age, as both my Nana and my mom were artists. I spent more time at an easel than I did outside, and I always loved being creative. I ended up getting a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Education because I wanted to inspire others to be their best creative selves! I taught art and graphic design for 10 years before pursuing my dream of being a full-time freelance illustrator.
Q: How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
A: Cozy, whimsical, colourful
Q: Do you work full-time as an illustrator, or do you balance art with other creative or non-creative work?
A: I work as a full-time illustrator, but I also have a content-creating brand with my business partner, Jess. She’s a photographer, and I love making reels, so together we offer brand shoots for clients to make social media less stressful. For me, social media is just another creative outlet.
Q: Where do you usually find inspiration for your art?
A: I adore Scandinavian folk art, eclectic patterns and colourful textures. I also take snapshots of things around me, like floor tiles, fabric swatches, books, wood grains, lino prints—anything that I can draw inspiration from!
Q: Can you give us a peek into your creative process?
A: My process is very intuitive, so I spend a lot of my time brainstorming until something finally “clicks”. I often have like a million ideas that get tossed out before I even put pencil to paper. I visualize everything and try to see it not only in terms of the product, but also what it would look like on the shelves or in someone’s house. Once I have a clear concept, I start sketching. I feel like a lot of artists use sketching as their brainstorming phase, but I prefer to “see” it in my head first.
Q: Were there any challenges you faced while designing this project?
A: Decision fatigue is real! I had so many options for icons and had to narrow them down to a consistent feel.
Q: How did you ensure the stickers captured the holiday spirit while still being fun and reflecting your style?
A: These stickers are very much in my style and have a wintery, cozy vibe that reminded me of my own family’s holiday traditions.
Q: What was your inspiration for designing the 2025 Advent Calendar stickers?
A: I have a little book about living a Hygge lifestyle that I’m obsessed with, and I love the cozy, simple pleasures in life. There’s just something about a pot of cider simmering on the stove on a cold night with the fireplace roaring and a plate of gingersnaps.
Q: Was there a particular design or element that was your favourite to create? Why?
A: I loved drawing the orange slice garlands because every year, my girls and I make them together!
Q: Did you have a personal favourite cube sticker you felt especially connected to?
A: Probably the book one! Reading is what you’ll find me doing when I’m not creating…I read A LOT.
Q: If you had to pick one Taylor Swift era to describe your art style, which one would it be?
A: That’s easy—Folklore!
Q: Which Taylor Swift song would you put on repeat while working on a project?
A: I listened to August and Willow on repeat!
Q: What do you think makes you the coolest mom?
A: Getting to show my girls that you can pursue whatever dream you set your mind to. I love being able to buy them pyjamas that I’ve designed the pattern for, or a puzzle with my work that we can do together.
Q: What’s your go-to comfort show or movie when you need creative background noise?
A: Brooklyn 99 and Derry Girls, I watch over and over again!
Q: Do you have a favourite holiday song that instantly puts you in the spirit?
A: Anything on the Charlie Brown Christmas Album!
Q: When you’re not sketching or designing, what’s your guilty-pleasure hobby or activity?
A: Reading and baking!
Q: What’s the weirdest or funniest place you’ve ever found inspiration for a design?
A: This is a tough one because I think many designers take random photos of life around them for inspiration—our camera rolls are insane! I have everything from photos of bathroom tiles to grocery store receipts. Anything can be used for texture, colour or pattern inspiration!
Q: Which emoji do you overuse the most?
A: 😂😂😂😂😂
Q: If you could only eat one holiday treat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Stroopwafels for sure!! They are a staple during the holidays!
Q: What’s the most “you” candy (the one that best matches your personality)?
A: My favourite candy is Sour Watermelon, and I think it matches me best, too. I’m a little sweet and a little sassy, and my favourite colours are pink and green!
Q: If your art studio could magically restock itself with one endless supply — snacks, Procreate brushes, camera gear, or hot chocolate — which one would you pick?
A: Procreate Brushes for sure!! There are so many different mediums available as a digital artist with the help of brushes.
Q: If you could design for any dream project or brand, what would it be?
A: I would LOVE to design a book cover for a favourite author!
Q: Do you have a creative survival kit?
A: My Filofax (granny over here), my mini watercolour kits and some ballpoint pens!
Q: What’s one thing about being an illustrator that might surprise people?
A: Drawing and creating is like a muscle—you need to practice in order to build it up, and you can also overdo it if you don’t give yourself breaks!
Want more of Tara’s art in your feed? Be sure to check out her socials below and give her a follow if you're not doing so already. Trust us, you’ll want to see what she creates next.
A huge thank you to Tara for lending her incredible talent to this year’s Advent Calendar. Every cube you open is a little sweeter (and a little more magical) because of her designs. From my side, I can honestly say this project was an absolute joy! Tara made the whole approach so fun and collaborative. (BRB, about to go tattoo at least half of these adorable illustrations on myself immediately!) - Kyla
If you’d like to see more of Tara’s work (because, yes, yes you do!), check out the links below, and don’t forget to show her some love on social media. We’re so proud to collaborate with artists who bring heart and creativity into everything they do.
Instagram: 2am.illustrations
Website: www.2amillustrations.com
Etsy Shop: 2 Am Illustrations
And as you make your way through this year’s calendar, remember: the candy is sweet, but the story behind it is even sweeter.
