Hello and welcome!
Hi, I’m Nicola, a surface pattern designer & illustrator from Shropshire, UK with 5 years of experience creating bright and playful artwork.
Past employment:
Before becoming a designer, I spent 12 years working with children aged 3–16, with 7yrs in busy primary classrooms with kids aged 3–11. Being in that fast-paced environment taught me exactly what children get excited about, what colours they reach for and what themes make them stop and smile - knowledge that now shapes the kid-friendly patterns I create.
Before that I worked as a hairdresser for 10 years, which trained my eye for colour in a completely different - but surprisingly useful way. Mixing tones every day taught me how colours behave together, how to balance warm and cool shades and how to build palettes that feel fresh and harmonious. Today, that experience helps me choose colour palettes that look great on products and appeal to both kids and their parents.
Top online art educational courses I’ve taken:
Rachael Taylor - Make it in Design
Make Art That Sells - with top USA art agent Lilla Rogers
Vanessa Stoilova - Art Business Bootcamp
Elizabeth Silver - Start Your Surface Pattern Business
Why I’m super easy to work with
I’m super organised, reliable and have high standards - all personal qualities I’ve learnt through past employment. I meet deadlines, manage my time well and stay calm even when things get busy. I’m methodical with my process and have strong attention to detail, so you get artwork that’s polished and ready to use.
I plan my workload week by week, break big tasks into simple steps and send quick updates so you always know where things stand. I’m a calm and placid person so I stay calm under pressure, which helps me meet deadlines easily.
My designs connect with both kids and their parents because they’re built from real-life experience - years of watching what children love, how they play and what sparks their imagination. I also have children of my own and this has built upon what I know about what children love to see and interact with.
My dream projects
My dream projects include stationery, gifts, home décor and products for kids.
Get in touch
If you want artwork that’s joyful, practical and smooth to produce from start to finish, I’d love to work with you. I’m always looking for new exciting opportunities. Contact me today to discuss your project!