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.
I have a tattoo of pusheen the cat eating a donut on my arm haha.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
I love going to book shops and independent shops that sell homewares, accessories or magazines! Just an excuse to shop really haha.
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!
I would love to collaborate with a ceramic or homewares company and get my illustrations on some pots or plates!
Danii Pollehn is a print designer and illustrator living in Hamburg, Germany. After graduating with an honors in Fashion Design from the Academy of Fashion & Design in Berlin and Hamburg, Danii has worked as a freelance stylist for magazines and print-commercials for several years. With a special interest in nature, traveling and paying attention to the details in everyday surroundings Danii finds an endless source of inspiration to create unique and innovative artwork and designs.
I´m addicted to asian food, chocolate, trench-coats, Frank Ccean, Sampha and James Blake, my sneakers, books, art, breakfast, grocery shopping and I‘m leaving a crumb trail!
I was always painting and drawing so it seemed like a logic career path to me.
Plants and flowers of course but traveling and my every day surroundings are always a great way to get inspired!
Starting with a great breakfast afterwards checking and answering emails, and working and preparing orders. Painting in the afternoon and working on Instagram in the evening.
Just stop forcing it and try to use the time to meet friends and have long walks!
Recently I did flowers for a big company which I really enjoyed creating. Winning a design contest to have a textile design with Urban Outfitters was amazing when I started out, or I also enjoyed creating an entire print collection for a local surfwear company!
Procreate and Photoshop.
Pinterest or I also love to check out old books on fleamarkets!
Get yourself out there and start networking!
Designing for big fashion houses like Gucci or Chloe or just have my stuff on big billboards in NYC would be awesome! Having my own home decor collection with ikea would also be perfect!
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