I’m Abbey, a freelance illustrator and designer based in Leeds. I design mostly for paper goods, textiles + visual identities. This includes everything from patterns for kidswear, commercial greetings cards to branding for small businesses.

Playing with colour, shape and lettering, I like to create graphics and patterns that are both fun and contemporary. I divide my time between commissions, design projects and my own creative work.

I’ve always loved print and paper products, and so after high school I went straight to Leeds College of Art where I completed my BTEC in Art & Design. I then went on to study Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern at Leeds Arts University, leaving with a 1st class degree and some commercial experience under my belt.

In my second year there, I won a competition to work for M&S (Tigerprint) which massively helped me start the climb the career ladder. After Graduating, I worked in-house for British brand Joules designing prints and artwork for primarily kidswear, which taught me loads about manufacturing and designing for fashion.

After a while I jumped ship and designed in-house for Meri Meri, a fun upmarket kids party company which is where I realised I would love to work for myself! I’ve been working freelance for almost five years now and absolutely love the freedom and creativity that brings. Each day is different and I’m so happy I’m able to work with such a great array of individuals and companies (including Creative Wakefield!)

I’m open to any creative opportunity that comes my way. My areas of expertise include illustration, branding, prints & patterns, product design, lettering, colour & trend advising, editorial design, illustration for packaging, promotional design…

But if a project doesn’t fit into these categories, I would still love to hear about it! New challenges are refreshing and I always get excited to hear from potential clients, even just to chat about an idea.

I currently drive a van!

Becoming a Freelance Creative by far. It took a lot of courage and hard work.

A tricky one as there are so many great brands out there. I’d love to see my work on more home products, a collab with a store such as Anthropologie for example. I’d also love to collaborate with more Yorkshire based creatives.

I was born and raised in Pontefract so Wakefield has always been up there with one of my favourite places- just because I've spent so much time there! I spent most of my teenage years watching bands and exploring with friends. Shopping in the Ridings, wal