For as long as I can remember I have loved to draw and be creative. It is extremely satisfying creating something out of nothing and I find the process quite addictive. I've worked in the field of Art and Design for over 15 years and in 1996 was awarded a first class honours degree in furniture design. Since then I have worked freelance as an illustrator and designed furniture for several manufacturing companies. In 1999 I took a year off work to travel the world during which I continued to draw by documenting the trip in sketch form. Many of my illustrations have a story behind them, from flamingos in Chile, albatrosses in New Zealand to European boats and architecture. I now live an idyllic life with my young son Kit and working from my cottage in the Forest of Bowland, doing something I really love. I have quite an unusual style of drawing which I think comes from my technical drawing training. I work mainly in fine line, ink and watercolour. I hate cluttered, fussy art and like to create a flow to the piece. I feel that the spaces are as important as the subjects featured and try to limit the number of colours I use. While working freelance, my illustrations have been used in advertising, corporate art installations, merchandising, publishing, greetings cards, personalised stationery and exhibitions. I happily accept commissions; my preferences are pet, people and property portraits, but will always consider other themes (most recently I've been asked to draw a telephone box and a wedding cake).

M I N I C U R R I C U L U M V I T A E

Date of Birth: 21st January 1974

Qualifications:
GCSE Maths, English, Art & Design, Computer Studies, Physics, History, French
BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design (Specialising in 3D Design) Stourbridge
First Class Honours Degree in 3D Design (Specialising in Furniture Design) UCE

Awards:
Emma Jessie Phipps: History of Design Scholarship Award
RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce) Design Award
Worshipful Company Design Competition Award Lucy Ryland Design Competition Travel Award

Work/Experience:
Crafts Council Research Assistant & Exhibition Organiser: Crafts Space Touring 1995
Freelance Illustrator: 1995-1996 - Commissions for Advertising Agencies, Yellow Pages
Publishing Companies, Galleries, Corporate Art Installations, Merchandise, Exhibitions etc.
Furniture Designer / Project Manager: ACF Office Seating Manufacturer 1995-1997
Furniture Designer: Allermuir 1997-1999
Furniture Designer: H J Berry & Sons 2000-2002
Freelance Illustrator: 2005-2007
Design Manager: H J Berry & Sons 2007-2009
Freelance Illustrator / Writer: 2009-2010 - Columnist for Lancashire Life.

Achievements:
Royal School of Music: Grades 1-6 Piano Practical and Theory 1990
Clean Driving Licence since obtaining it 1992
Patented Design: Adjustable Arm Rest 1996
World Travel (by Bicycle, Kayak, Horse, Motorbike etc) Australia,. Fiji, Hawaii
Singapore, Romania, Hungary, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, New Zealand
Australia, Chile, Argentina, America, Alaska, Canada 1999
Sky Dived 10,000ft 2000
Treasurer Chipping Playgroup 2004-2006
Secretary Chipping Children’s Community Alliance 2006-2007
Designing Range of Furniture for Sophie Conran, 2009
Going Self Sufficient 2009

For more information contact Heidi here.