Poppy Almond is a Leeds Based Illustrator and designer who graduated from Leeds Arts University in 2017. Her work is colourful, quirky and empowering with a passion for cute illustrations and bold colour palettes. Poppy gathers inspiration from her surrounds, whether that be what she ate for dinner, the contents of her shelves or a conversation she’s had with a friend. Her prints usually come to life from a quick doodle in her sketchbook which are then taken into illustrator.

Tell us a fun fact about you

I have a tattoo of pusheen the cat eating a donut on my arm haha.

How did you get into illustration?

I have always loved drawing from an early age and always knew I wanted to study art. Whilst on my Art and design foundation I came across the printed textiles and surface Pattern design course at Leeds Arts University and instantly knew it was for me! Although I wasn’t hugely into textiles I loved being able to apply my illustrations to such a range of surfaces and materials.

Who or what inspires you the most?

I get inspiration from everywhere and anything that surrounds me be that my dinner, the contents of my shelves or a conversation I have had that day. Of course other amazing designers and illustrators inspire me! Being surrounded and seeing so much amazing work on Instagram pushes me to keep trying to improve my practice.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I always start the day with a black coffee! If I’ve woken up early enough I try and read in bed before getting up. I then head to the post office if I have any orders to send and then head into town to my studio to work! Each day varies so much but I usually start by writing a to do list of what I need to do that day or I just get super distracted and forget what I need to be doing!

What do you do when you have a creative block?

Try and get away from my Laptop or studio and go to an Art Gallery or sit in a cafe and just draw. I try to relax and try not to think about the work I should be doing and just draw for me.

Top three clients you’ve worked with?

I’ve loved working with all my clients as they’ve all been so different and amazing but my top three have probably been Harrods, Charlotte Simone and Skinnydip!

What tools (digital or not!) do you use to create your work?

Most of my work is created digitally! I always start with a trusty fine liner and sketchbook and doodle first! Then I start drawing these ideas I want to take further on my iPad and then take these illustrations onto my Mac to edit or put into patterns on illustrator.

What’s your favourite resource for inspiration?

I love going to book shops and independent shops that sell homewares, accessories or magazines! Just an excuse to shop really haha.

Do you have any tips for artists thinking of doing freelance?

Just take the jump and do it. Work hard and take every opportunity that you can. Its scary making the jump but I absolutely love freelancing and working with such a range of clients. I think if you’re passionate about your work you’ll be a success!

What would your dream project be?

I would love to collaborate with a ceramic or homewares company and get my illustrations on some pots or plates!

How can fans keep up-to-date with your work?
Instagram