Meet the illustrators behind our new greeting cards

Say hello to four of our favourite illustrators! Nia Beynon, Alice Bartholomew, Wendy Wong and Isobelle Farrar are the creative brains behind our brand-new range of greeting cards, which have launched just in time for Father's Day. Take your pick from eight new cards, featuring nature-inspired designs, graphic prints and tasty tipples. To celebrate the launch, we spoke to each of the artists to find out more about their creative processes.

Nia Beynon captures the joy of food through her fun illustrations. Using sketchy black lines and bright colours, she reimagines everyday moments in her unique style.

What inspired you to become an illustrator? 

I've been surrounded by creativity since childhood, growing up in a family where art was always part of the conversation. My aunt is an artist, and my sister is now a textile designer. We would always draw together when we were younger. Drawing became a natural mode of expression for the both of us. Even though I feel I have always drawn, I would say I have rediscovered my passion for illustration, especially as a means to explore personal themes like the joy around food and memories in the last couple of years.

Where do you look for ideas and inspiration?

Everyday life is mainly where it starts for me. I find inspiration around the table, the joy of sharing meals, the textures and colours of food, and the stories they tell. My foodie drawings are deeply personal, reflecting my own relationship with food. They serve as a celebration of recovery and a tribute to the joy that food brings into our lives. I also draw upon memories and the importance of bringing people together to enjoy life’s simple pleasures

Which artists or illustrators do you admire?

I admire artists like Harlie Briggs & Lucie Gray. Harlie Briggs is a nature-inspired artist who creates the most beautiful paintings of nature scenes and flowers. Her work reminds me of Monet in some ways and I just love the way she sees the world. Lucie Gray is also a painter who creates amazing bold paintings. She often uses a female character as the narrative and connects each painting to the next. Her use of colours is something else. Also, I love David Shrigley, because who doesn’t right?

We love: Nia's fun sketches make perfect cards for foodie friends. We'll be framing these in our kitchen.

Nia loves: The Gus plant holds a special place in my heart. I have two in my flat, and their lush greenery adds a touch of tranquility to my creative space. I adore them! I am also looking to purchase the Ian plant soon as well – love it!

Follow Nia on Instagram @niabeynon or visit her website

Alice Bartholomew specialises in risograph printing. Her bright, graphic artworks are often inspired by the natural world. 

How did you get into illustration? 

A brilliant teacher at school first introduced me to illustration, and then after doing my art foundation course, I decided to study Illustration Animation at Kingston School of Art. It was then, whilst spending my year out working at the risograph studio Duplikat Press, that I found a love for all things print! My practise now revolves around using analogue techniques to create colourful, patterned and vibrant prints.

What inspires you?

I always feel the most inspired when I’m outside in nature. Whether it’s a city stroll, sitting on a blanket in the park or on a forest walk, I always bring my sketchbook. It’s where I feel the most relaxed and so naturally end up drawing. I’m also often inspired by books and telly! A fun fact or quote is always a good starting point, which then lead to lots of research and ideas.

Which artists do you admire?
One of my all-time favourite illustrators is Brian Wildsmith. His work is so bright and colourful and feels like a whole other world. He manages to turn normal landscapes into fantastical scenes. Camille Meyer is another artist who creates beautiful worlds with her prints. Her artwork conveys the feeling and emotion of a place, transporting each viewer to a nostalgic world of their own. 

We love: Alice’s vibrant, nature-inspired prints. Send her Jungle and Coral cards to lovers of the natural (and colourful) world.    

Alice loves: Nicolau! I love the crazy jungle vibe.

Follow Alice on Instagram, @alicebart_

Wendy Wong originally found her love of print and illustration through fashion. Now, she takes cues from the style set to create her bold, vibrant artworks. 

What drew you to a career in illustration? 

I think like a lot of people I started as a kid. I studied Fashion Textiles at uni because I always thought (and was told) you can’t make a living from being an artist. I was ok at fashion, but the drawing and sketching was what I enjoyed the most. In my final year, my final project was nearly entirely based on prints from my sketches, to which my lecturer said it was the most successful project so far and that I should embrace the illustration aspect. So, that spurred me on really to develop my style – but I only started freelancing during COVID really. I got made redundant and decided to sink myself into the work, build a portfolio and reach out to other creatives to get my name out there. 

How would you describe your style?
At its core, my style is bold lines, sometimes graphic. I like using bodies as shapes and creating ‘balance’ in my work, which is probably why there is a lot of symmetry. 

Who’s your favourite artist?
I love Yoshitomo Nara - my favourite artist. And I like the way Duri Bank uses like and shadow in her work. Also, Mameko Maeda too.

We love: Wendy’s use of bold, graphic lines and vibrant colours. Who wouldn't want to receive her 'You're a star' design?

Wendy loves: Penny, the money plant – good for prosperity in your home. 

Follow Wendy on Instagram @wend.ywong or visit her website

Isobelle Farrar's bright and colourful illustrations are inspired by her love of nature, folklore and mythology, with each artwork telling a different story. 

Tell us about yourself! 

I'm Isobelle, a Nottingham-based illustrator. I enjoy reading, doodling at coffee shops and walking in nature! I've always loved doodling and crafting, I would always be making something any chance I could get. When I got into college, I realised I could specialise in Illustration and make a career out of making work for people to enjoy, so I've pursued illustration ever since! I enjoy creating art that people connect with. Having art in our lives is so enriching and important, I truly believe we'd be lost without it.

How would you describe your illustrating style?

My illustration style is full of colour and texture – I love pieces that are busy and full of life! I love all things bright and a lot of my work has elements of nature/florals as they're very freeing to draw, you can be quite abstract at times as nature isn't always perfect and uniform. Someone once told me art is the way we see the world and understand it, so I like to think of my style as the way I see the world in a colourful detailed lens. 

Which artists or illustrators do you love?

I love the work of "Printed peanut" a.k.a Louise Lockhart, her use of colour is fabulous and always joyful! Illustrator Clover Robin is also a huge source of inspiration – the way she utilises paper to create these beautiful scenes is breathtaking! When it comes to florals, I'm always inspired by the work of Sarah Coverdale of studiocoverdale, her work is so vivid and full of charm. And my friend and fellow illustrator Veronica Nilsson (vernil_illustrations) inspires me daily with her incredible illustrations and use of texture.

We love: Isobelle's folklore-inspired florals and painterly houseplants are the perfect choice for horti fans. 

Isobelle loves: Either Penny or Orla. They have some fantastic shapes and colours!

Follow Isobelle on Instagram @isobellefarrarillustrations or visit her website