Interview by Chloe Tempesteso, Founder of Project Middlesbrough
Chloe was interested in my connection to Middlesbrough, so I shared my fond memories of studying at the exceptional The Northern School Of Art Middlesbrough campus, where I met my partner Owen, and getting my degree at their equally brilliant Hartlepool campus.
Would you like to introduce yourself?
I am an independent multi-award-winning Graphic Designer and Illustrator, based in the North-East of England and working worldwide. I create all sorts of illustrations, often of iconic local landmarks. These illustrations are usually commissioned by local businesses to use as part of their brand, for display in their headquarters or to sell on merchandise. I also create privately commissioned illustrations of people's homes and their favourite local landscapes. I also help established businesses and start-ups by creating branding and promotional materials.
What's your favourite landmark in Middlesbrough?
My favourite landmark is the iconic Transporter Bridge. It's such a striking and dynamic structure. I currently sell prints of my original illustration of the transporter bridge on my website. The commission was an exciting challenge... I had to pay careful attention to the detail and character of the bridge. It's one of my favourite projects to date! I'm now selling charity phone wallpapers and Facebook banners of the illustration featuring a rainbow of hope, encouraging people to Stay Safe in Teesside. 100% of the proceeds are going to the NHS Together Charity.
What does Middlesbrough mean to you?
I went to college to study graphic design at Green Lane, the Middlesbrough campus of the Northern School of Art. This is also where I met my partner, Owen. We found we shared a love of illustration and collaborated together brilliantly. From student nights out at venues like the Medicine Bar to visits to Mima art gallery, I have a bunch of fond memories of Middlesbrough.
What's the story behind your artwork and you becoming an artist?
A year and a half after graduating from the Northern School of Art's university campus, Owen and I entered a competition together to produce 12 large railway posters for permanent display...and won! These are on display at Hartlepool Railway station and the designs are sold on merchandise such as prints, pillows, tote bags and tea towels.
The railway posters were the perfect springboard for me to take the leap to become a self-employed designer and illustrator, leaving my job as an in-house designer for a local apprenticeship provider. Businesses across Teesside began commissioning me to create detailed scenic illustrations of Teesside landmarks and I found myself becoming increasingly renowned across the North East for my distinct style, which is reminiscent of vintage travel posters, but with a modern twist. I’m passionate about showing Teesside in a positive light through colourful, contemporary design.
How is your Teesside themed artwork received by people in Middlesbrough/Teesside?
My work often resonates with people who live in Teesside, and therefore have fond memories of some of the landmarks I've illustrated. I've received so many lovely emails with people explaining how much one of my illustrations means to them because of the memories the location holds. It's one of my favourite things about this job.
I've also found that many businesses commission me to create artwork that will represent their Teesside heritage...for instance, one of my clients, North Star Housing Association, commissioned me to create illustrations of local landmarks for use as wall art in their Headquarters. Vintage Chartered Financial Planners also commissioned me to create an illustration of Roseberry Topping, as they felt the image perfectly encapsulated their Teesside Heritage and brand personality.
What would your advice to anyone in Middlesbrough/Teesside want a career in art?
If you're at the start of your journey and looking to study art or design, I can't make a stronger recommendation than The Northern School of Art. Both Middlesbrough's Green Lane Campus and Hartlepool's University level campus are fabulous institutions. My own experience was that the tutors were supportive and knowledgeable, and the facilities were excellent and easily accessible.
That said, there's nothing to say you have to study art and design to practice the arts at a professional level. My advice would be, if you want to be an artist...make art! It might sound overly simple, but you are what you repeatedly do, and if you can turn creating art into a habit, you're already halfway there! ‘
Written by Chloe Tempesteso, founder of Project Middlesbrough original interview here
Competition Closed: Win a Free Door Portrait
For £50 you can commission me for a beautiful keepsake illustration of your front door. Right now there's a chance to try the service out for free, by entering my giveaway prize draw on social media.
Over the coming months, most of us will be spending almost all of our time in our homes due to social distancing, so let's look upon our homes with renewed gratitude for the safety and comfort they provide.
In the spirit of that sentiment, I will now be offering front door portraits as an even more affordable new alternative to my custom house portraits. For the intro price of £50, you can commission me for a beautiful keepsake illustration of your front door.
Right now there's a chance to try the service out for free, by entering my giveaway prize draw on social media. Head to my Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for details on how to enter!
I'll be choosing three winners at random, one from Facebook, one from Instagram and one from LinkedIn, (you can enter this competition on multiple platforms to increase your chance of winning!) The winners will be announced on Thursday 9th April at 1pm.) Good Luck everyone!
If you're interested in commissioning me for an original illustration of your front door, why not get in touch with me today?
For The Love of the North Exclusive
Over the past year, a business relationship has blossomed between me and FTLOTN. In 2019, they commissioned me to produce an original illustration of the Spanish City in their hometown of Whitley Bay, where their latest outlet has made its home.
Lucy and Paul of For the Love of my North are tirelessly passionate retailers who pride themselves on their ethical, vegan friendly and sustainably sourced products. The couple share my passion for the North East of England, and their outlets are like little shrines to the region! They offer a wonderful selection of gifts, prints and cards, all sourced directly from artists who live and work in the North East of England (myself included!).
Over the past year, a business relationship has blossomed between me and FTLOTN. In 2019, they commissioned me to produce an original illustration of the Spanish City in their hometown of Whitley Bay, where their latest outlet has made its home. My illustration of the Spanish City was featured in their exclusive 2020 calendar, and carbon neutral prints are sold in a variety of sizes. Keep your eyes peeled folks as these will be available online soon!
Limited edition standees (pictured below), were produced by Zap! Creative, made from 100% recycled materials, and these sold like hotcakes! One customer even used a standee as a unique topper for their wedding cake (I felt suitably honoured!).
There are also greetings cards available (pictured below). There are many more products to come borne out of this collaboration with FTLOTN, so keep an eye out in the coming months.
I also created a new version of their logo which to put on all their exclusive products, as FTLOTN are working with multiple artists on exclusive commissions that can only be found in their shops and website.
Celebrating Shades Hotel
Hartlepool Borough Council recently commissioned me to create some artwork of the Grade II listed Shades Hotel. I was delighted to play a part in celebrating this unique building.
Hartlepool Borough Council recently commissioned me to create some artwork of the Grade II listed Shades Hotel. The local authority bought the building as part of a major regeneration plan for Church Street and, having studied my Degree at the Northern School of Art's Hartlepool Campus, I have fond memories of Church Street. I was delighted to play a part in celebrating this unique building.
I was tasked with creating an external illustration of the Shades Hotel as it originally was, but with a modern-day slant. The illustration was to be used as the front page of the funding bid itself, providing the funders with an exciting visual image to get them enthused about the refurbishment project. The illustration will also form a part of the Shades image, going forward.
I created two versions of the illustration, one showing how the Shades looked in the 1950s, and another showing it after the renovation. A simple yet elegant accompanying animation creates a striking visual representation of the renovation, showing the 1950's version evolving into the modern-day renovation.
““The animation is perfect, just what we were looking for – thank you so much. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the project... the illustrations are fantastic. We will, of course, consider you for any future work on different projects – it’s a pleasure working with you.””
If you're interested in commissioning some original artwork that creates the perfect first impression, why not get in touch?
Wall Art Works Wonders for North Star
North Star Housing approached me to create a series of illustrations that would reflect their strong connections with the Tees Valley and South West Durham areas.
North Star Housing approached me to create a series of illustrations that would reflect their strong connections with the Tees Valley and South West Durham areas. I am well-known for my illustrations of the Northeast, so I struck them as the perfect person for the job!
My latest piece of wall art for North Start HQ is of Market Cross in Barnard Castle. The Market Cross, or 'Butter Mart' is a truly original sight and one of Barnard Castle's most arresting images. Built in 1747, it was a gift to the town from Thomas Breaks. The architecture was wonderful to draw and I had fun capturing it in my signature style.
Three fabulous facts about wall art:
1. It reduces workplace stress and improves productivity. One study, involving over 2000 participants, showed that productivity and positivity were increased by 17% once the artwork was brought in.
2. It creates a fantastic first impression! By commissioning artwork that fit your company's ‘personality’, you reflect what you are about from the second someone steps into your offices.
3. It's an easy way to create an impressive and enjoyable surrounding that puts your clients at ease (without breaking the bank).
Previous commissions for Northstar Headquarters have included my depiction of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge, and a license to use my illustration of Stockton town Hall. Below is a video I took showing all three pieces of art on display at North Star HQ.
“Working with Abby is a real pleasure! Abby is incredibly passionate about her work, and this shines through in her communication and suggestions to create the best result for the art. Here at North Star, we are incredibly proud of our local communities, and Abby has been a real asset in helping us showcase some landmarks within our communities. The most recent Artwork being Market Cross in Barnard Castle. This beautiful building was built in 1747, and the image Abby has created brings some history to our office with a modern twist. Abby is very professional and accommodating, and we are always pleased to work with her.”
With the three bespoke Illustrations I've created for the North Star, I've been able to represent their heritage and Teesside roots through beautiful, full-colour wall art.
If you're interested in commissioning some original artwork that creates the perfect first impression for your business, why not get in touch?
National Museum of the Royal Navy: Eliza's Adventure History Trail
I was approached by The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, to help them create a unique self-led trail of the HMS Trincomalee.
Richard Davidson (Illustrator and Learning Producer at the NMRN) with Abby Taylor, pictured with trail guide they produced, “Eliza’s Adventure”.
I was approached by The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, to help them create a unique self-led trail of the HMS Trincomalee. The trail incorporates authentic diary entries of Eliza Bunt, who travelled on the first voyage from Sri Lanka to England with her children and pet parrot, Poll, who will act as a mascot and guide for the trail. Poll also takes the form of a promotional plush toy to be sold at the museum.
I worked with Richard Davidson, the Learning Producer at NMRN, and a talented traditional illustrator. We worked together creating the content of the trail, using quotes from Eliza’s diary to paint a picture of what it was like onboard HMS Trincomalee. Richard drew the illustrations by hand using markers and pencils. I then edited these drawings and took care of the design, layout and typesetting, to create a fun and engaging trail guide.
A selection of original drawings by Richard Davidson, Illustrator and Learning Producer at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
Vegas the parrot with ‘Poll’ promotional plush and Eliza’s Adventure trail at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
“It was a pleasure working with Abby. She was patient, helpful and encouraging throughout the project. I am really happy with how the trail turned out”
“The National Museum were delighted to work with local designer, Abby Taylor on our new self-led trail brochure. She immediately picked up on what we were trying to achieve and had huge patience with us and our many alterations on the road to achieving the perfect outcome. We were inspired by her enthusiasm and commitment to the project and will certainly be using her services again.
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