Interview With Lora Zombie
Ever wondered what it’s like inside the mind of a world-famous “free spirit of the art world”? Spoiler: it’s colourful, chaotic, emotional, and a little bit magical. ✨
For our latest collab, we teamed up with the super talented artist Lora Zombie to transform her dreamy, cosmic, truly magical paintings into wearable art. Every brushstroke is a story, every piece a mood and now, you can live in it.
We caught up with Lora herself to talk inspiration, creativity, and what it really means to wear your feelings on your sleeve (literally). 🖤
Let’s dive in.
Your work often blends whimsy, darkness, and pop culture, what usually sparks the first idea in your creative process?
It’s hard to say exactly what sparks an idea. I like to believe I was simply born this way - I tend to “think” in visual metaphors, and that’s how most of my ideas come to life. It’s rarely too intentional; it’s more like expressing a passing thought on paper or canvas, like telling a silly joke.
What I create depends on where I am emotionally and mentally in my life. My art has evolved and transformed over the years, so its essence is fluid - shifting with time, mood, and experience. Some pieces are deeply introspective, others are playful, and many live in that liminal space between dreams and reality.
Many of your pieces feature animals, cosmic elements, and dreamlike settings -what draws you to these recurring motifs?
I think these are universal symbols, a kind of shared language that people instinctively connect with. Using spirit animals and dreamlike visuals allows me to express feelings and moods that are often hard to put into words. It creates a space where viewers can feel seen, understood - even if silently.
I always hope my audience finds something personal in my work - whether it’s a reflection, a sign, an answer, or even better, a question that leads them deeper into themselves.
Many of my paintings are simply emotions, unspoken parts of the inner world translated into colour, composition, or even a spontaneous doodle. Sometimes, being an artist is about giving form to what you and others feel but can’t say.
How does your mood or environment influence the tone or themes of your artwork?
I’m a big introvert and a complete loner, so my environment is this bubble I create for myself. That sacred space is essential to my work - it allows me to fully melt into the dreamy rhythm of the creative process.
My creative ritual is built on little joys: the quiet company of my beloved dog, the soft curl of Japanese incense smoke, tea breaks that turn into little ceremonies of peace and grounding. Music and perfume are my invisible tools - poetry for the senses that elevate my mood and help set the tone for whatever I’m working on.
How do you stay connected to your creativity when facing artistic blocks or commercial pressures?
I don’t really experience creative blocks, but I do have a strong sense of when I’m simply tired or drained. When that happens, I listen to myself and rest. That’s my best (and most unprofessional-professional ) advice to other artists - be kind to yourself. Rest is part of the process.
How did the collaboration with BlackMilk Clothing come about? What excited you most about working with them?
We have a long history of creating wonderful things together - it truly feels like a match made in heaven. Every collaboration with BlackMilk is a joy. I’m always excited to see how we can turn bold, imaginative art into wearable pieces that feel fresh, unique, and full of energy.
What stories or emotions were you hoping to express through the capsule collection?
Dreamy, inspiring comfort. I wanted to channel softness and grace in the middle of a world that often feels dark, loud, and chaotic. This collection is a little oasis - something you can wear that reminds you to breathe, dream, and feel safe in your own magic.
Which piece from the collaboration is most personal or meaningful to you, and why?
The whole Sakura Series is close to my heart, but especially Pearl - the white bat. I created it during a deeply introspective period in my life, as a way to hold onto a sense of comfort and stillness in the middle of life’s noise. Pearl was made just for me at first… but I think that’s why it resonates. It came from a very real place.
How does it feel seeing your artwork translated into wearable fashion? Were there any challenges?
It’s such a wonderful experience. I’m truly happy with how the pieces turned out and how smooth and synergetic the process was with the BlackMilk team. Seeing my art come to life beyond the canvas - being worn, moved in, lived in - is magical. It’s art that becomes part of someone’s day, and that’s something I really love.
✨ The blog gives you a taste, but the lookbook takes you further, a deeper dive into Lora’s inspiration. Want the pieces right now? Tap below to shop Lora Zombie x Blackmilk. ✨