After studying graphic design and illustration at Staffordshire University I began a career in animation as a puppet maker making puppets for Cosgrove Hall films and television commercials during which time she was responsible for fabricating the Martians in the Tim Burton film Mars Attacks.

Soon I was selected to train as a puppet animator for Cosgrove Hall films in Manchester. I animated on children’s television programmes such as Noddy, Postman Pat, Bob the Builder and Andy Pandy and more recently I was asked to work on a freelance basis on the new remake of The Clangers.

While animating I was also employed as a freelance designer for Robot Design in Brighton. During this time I was responsible for designing different ranges of greeting cards which were sold nationally and also gained experience in brand licensing.

Whilst I was animating I took a course in print making. I immediately discovered a passion for printmaking as an additional outlet for my creative mind alongside my animation work. I took a break from animation to start a family and found that during that time I was able to devote more of my time to print making providing a good work / life balance at a time while I had a young family. I learned techniques such acid plate etching, collograph and screen printing. As my knowledge and enthusiasm grew I started to exhibit my works at various shows up and down the country on a regular basis.

I now regularly exhibits at shows such as Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester, Printfest in Cumbria, Bovey Tracey Contemporary Craft Festival Devon, RHS Spring and Autumn shows in Malvern and many more. I am a member of and exhibit with the Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen. I also permanently exhibits at The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton as part of High Peak Artists and Craft Workers Association.

A strong characteristic across all of my work is the blending of simple design and textures to bring out character in the images which is, like me, full of fun and humour, something that is very important to me in all aspects of my life.

I am currently looking at ideas to expand my brand. I am looking towards running more printmaking workshops both directly with members of the public and within educational establishments and looking towards exposing more of my work to a wider audience through shops, galleries and brand licensing as well as direct sales through my website at www.lucygell.com.