Lisa Martin

Happy Monday!

Lisa Martin creates naive and beautiful children's illustration and design, focusing on creating 'a range of fun and interactive wallpapers and decals'. Lisa Martin is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, having recently graduated from Leeds College of Art with a BA (Hons) Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design.

'Lisa creates illustrations and surface pattern designs aimed towards the children's market. Inspired by all things bright and quirky, her work includes a range of whimsy characters and hand drawn textures.' 

You can see Lisa's portfolio on her website, follow her on Facebook or Twitter, or you can email her for freelance work at: hello@lisamartin-illustration.com

Nicky Luck

I recently received a beautiful picture (see below) from a lovely student of 'The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design (the e-course)'. Nicky Luck is a Graphic Designer who turned to illustration & painting to create a series of both digital & original canvas art for children's bedrooms. Her love of design has now lead her to surface pattern design! Lucky us!

"I have worked as a Graphic Designer most of my career, specialising in corporate graphics, print work and logo design. Alongside this I have designed and illustrated a collection of bespoke artwork for children, (name plaques, personalised illustrations and stationery) and currently sell through my website and shops. I would describe my style as ‘quirky elegance’ – I love hearts, stars, flowers, patterns and colour and try to inject a little bit of illustrating ‘magic’ wherever I can..."

Her bespoke artwork came from finding that current children's decoration does not grow with children & this gave her inspiration to create a more flexible way of decorating a child's room.

You can find her beautiful artwork on her website or you can follow Nicky on twitter @Nannolica & on Facebook.

 I was very touched by Nicky's personalised gift, I'm very lucky to work with such wonderful people!

Thanks Nicky!

Progressive Greetings

Some exciting things happening today! I am attending the fourth Progressive Greetings Live show with over 285 exhibitors, including my lovely & talented friend Libby McMullin! Find libby in stand 700 in the springboard hall. The show takes place at the wonderful Business Design Centre in Islington, London & will be open for just two days. Click here to see the exhibition preview! I will be doing a follow up post on all the exciting happenings at the exhibition, keep checking back for more!

I will also be meeting up with some of my wonderful 'The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design' (the c-course) students!

Below are selected images of Libby's beautiful work. Go Libby! You can also read a previous post from this blog on the lovely Libby here.

Kids

Hello Hello!

We all look back at our childhoods and think about the amazing toys we used to have. They really are a source of happiness and lovely memories. I  love to see the different toys children play with now a days. Here are a few examples. Everything seems to be incredibly interactive and educational which is brilliant. Have a look at some fab examples, all available at the MoMA store. Enjoy, Love Moni!

Quirky Kid's Toy Designs

Hello Everyone Sian here, currently doing a work placement with Rachael.

Blogging about all the brilliant designers seen at Top Drawer last week! Dutch Designers Kids on Roof's Beautiful, Creative and Environmentally friendly recycled cardboard designs really stood out. They have ranges of kids toys, pop up cards and a new cotton collection all sustainable and imaginitively designed.

We especially like their 'Totem Birds on Tree Design' featured below. Check out their whole range on their site!

Gorgeous Book!

You know how much I like a pretty book. Children's books have really surprised me recently because they seem to be getting more and more adorable.  I found this one a library at school and I absolutely loved the quirkiness of the story and the fun and trendy illustrations.
Who Wants to be a Poodle? I don´t! by Lauren Child, is a fun stylish book about a poodle who's a bit of a diva!.  It is packed with patterns and colours and will definitely put a smile in your face.  Hope you like it, Love Moni!

Alice Melvin

Hello! I'm back with some inspirational posts for the rest of this week.  I went to London this weekend and ended up spending a long time inside the bookshop at the Tate Modern, I could get lost in all the amazing books.  I bought (from the kids section) a gorgeous Paper Bird Mobile Kit. I loved the prints so I did some researching and I would like to introduce, Alice Melvin:   Alice is a designer/illustrator, based in Edinburgh. Her work is inspired by birds, prints and the decorative art.
She's got some beautiful books all full of interactive details.  I love her bird prints and the playfulness of her prints.  I've got to put my mobile together now, so check her website for more info and enjoy! See you tomorrow. Love Moni

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Just Being Audrey

Happy Wednesday!  I have found yet another lovely book!  This time a brilliant children's book about the life of Audrey Hepburn.  Being a great Icon, this is a gorgeous representation of her life and a beautiful portrayal of who she was.  Written by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos, this is an adorable book that has turned Audrey's life into a fairytale. I love how sweet and pretty is it, just like her!  You can find it here.  Love Moni!