It seems like a lot of creatives, especially graphic designers, photographers and retouchers, work from minimalist, white, modern studios and offices with massive screens and huge corporate desks. These look polished and are the archetype of a professional designer’s space. However, traditional artists and illustrators typically tend to lean more towards the creative or expressive, and who’s to say quirky and colourful aren’t professional?

Every person is unique, every creative is unique and so is their style, workflow and workspace is completely unique. Personally, I need an environment that inspires, feels comfortable and cosy. This is where I create my best work! I often work from my purple craft room with my supplies surrounding me, positive reminders on the walls and my favourite wallpaper. You may also find me drawing from my sofa or in my conservatory. When I’m illustrating, I love to make a cuppa, put my feet up, take a breath and let the creative juices flow. I can sit there for hours!

Working in-house in corporate spaces, I’ve spent too much time sitting upright at a desk in a row of more desks, with bright white lights and no windows. I like to be able to sit comfortably, see the sun, move around and draw inspiration from my surroundings, whether that’s looking out the window, rifling through my paper stock or picking up a pen or paintbrush. I believe this has a huge, positive impact on both my ideation and execution.

When it comes to my craft room, I had wanted a traditional writing desk for a long time, and when I bought my house, I was finally able to make this a reality. My craft room is a real mix-and-match of furniture, but I love it! Like my creative skills, it combines the traditional with the modern. I’m easily able to convert my desk for different projects and uses, whether that’s using my laptop, my iPad or a sketchbook. My laptop gives me so much flexibility to work from my craft room, my living room, my garden, a client location and even a friend’s house or cafe. This flexibility is so important to me. Whilst my craft room is definitely my favourite spot to work from, I’m also incredibly lucky to have our home office, where you will find that classic setup of a huge desk with three monitors. This means that I have everything I need at my fingertips for a wide array of projects.

Take a look around…