Freelance illustrator and surface designer, creating intricate pencil repeat patterns in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire.
After graduating in 2010 from Norwich University of the Arts, with a good degree with lots of high expectations in my mind, I began to realise that the path of a freelance illustrator was not going to be an easy one. I had always wanted to apply my illustrations to products, to see them come to life in the hands of an excited buyer, so I knew that opening an Etsy shop would be the path for me.
Originally setting up my shop in Leicester, I have since lived in Brighton and now Nottingham, my hometown and place of birth. Over the years my shop has grown and changed in so many ways, but it's been an exciting journey and I'm still so thankful to be selling here on Etsy today! In 2012 I gained business support with the Princes Trust, a charity founded by the Prince of Wales to help unemployed or low-income 18-30 year olds, and through their mentoring I have been able to develop my shop into the place I've always dreamed it being. I have gone from 4-5 products to 30+ items with new patterns and designs being created regularly.
I work and run my Etsy shop from my cosy home studio, nestled in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire. Although I currently run the business on my own, whilst still working as a freelance illustrator, I do have the most amazing and supportive family who are always on hand to do post office runs, man a craft stall or simply just cut out fabric templates when workloads are heavy.
As an illustrator by trade, you can guarantee that all my items are created using my pencil illustrations and patterns. I am a true believer in traditional means and methods, and have worked in pencil and graphite all my life. Through University I began to teach myself how to make patterns, and have since been pushing myself to create new ways of tiling images and creating intricate and detailed patterns that make people want to lean in closer. Most of my work is inspired by symbolism, culture and the natural world, a place that forms us and surrounds us. Current pattern themes range from bones to beetles, raw crystals to sea life, and all other stuff in between!
My illustrated products wouldn’t be what they are however without the wonderful local suppliers that I use. When and where I can, my supplies are all bought from local or UK based business. My greetings cards and business cards are printed on recycled stock, and a lot of my sewing supplies are purchased from a small market stall just down the road. I am a true believer in passing on good karma, and I hope that what I put into my local community will translate into fortune and happiness for those local sellers who may otherwise be out of business.
Good karma doesn’t just end with local suppliers, but goes into everything I do including my Etsy community – Even if it’s a little thank you note in a parcel, or discount for a repeat purchase, I believe it’s important to show appreciation for the people who keep me living my dream job every day. I translate this karma even further into our local Nottingham Etsy Team which I am very fortune to be a team leader in! I love connecting our members with in-person events and creating seminars which help educate Etsy shop owners of old and new.
Pop the kettle on, and feel free to have a browse through my Etsy shop. If you have any questions, queries or just want to say hello please feel free to drop me a line anytime!
