A Proper Get To Know Me (The Non-Work Version)
I spend a lot of time on here talking about brands, colours, logos and all the things I genuinely love about my job. But every so often it's nice to step out from behind the work and just say hello properly. So here it is, the stuff that makes me me when the laptop's shut and the studio lights are off.
Fair warning, none of this is going to make you a better brand. It's just a bit of a get to know me, because I reckon the people behind small businesses are the best part of them.
I have too much Lego and no regrets
Let's start with the big one. I love Lego!!!! It's genuinely not my space if there isn't a set in it somewhere, and at this point I've well and truly lost count of how many I own.
My pride and joy is the Hogwarts Castle, purely because it's an absolute beast of a build and worth every hour. But my real soft spot is the little cactus and plant sets, and there's a very honest reason for that. I'm not always the best at keeping real plants alive, and with cats in the house a plant that can't be eaten, knocked over or dramatically murdered is usually the safer bet. Mostly. Sometimes. A bit of green that survives me and the cats is a win in my book.
There's something about a new set, a cup of tea and no intention of moving for a few hours that resets my whole brain. Little pieces, a clear plan, and that very satisfying click when it all comes together. Not a million miles from why I love design, if I'm honest.
Comic cons are my happy place
I loveeee these events; they are so fun, and not only do I love a good haul from all the independent stalls, I'm there specifically to meet the actors from the shows I love, and I've done rather well on that front over the years.
I've somehow managed to collect a good chunk of the Vampire Diaries and Originals casts, which as a fan is a bit of a dream. Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Daniel Gillies, Joseph Morgan, Danielle Campbell, Leah Pipes and Chris Brochu are all photos I'm ridiculously chuffed with. Then there's the brilliant curveballs, like Helena Bonham Carter and Nick Frost, plus Billy Burke and Matthew Daddario. Every single one of them a proper pinch me moment.
That's really the joy of it for me. A whole event full of people being openly, happily enthusiastic about the things they love, no embarrassment anywhere in sight. Which, if you know me at all, is basically my favourite kind of room to be in.
I've been picking up a camera again
Lately I've been doing the odd bit of photography, just for me. Nature mostly, animals whenever they'll hold still, and a lot of random candid bits that catch my eye. There's something lovely about actually paying attention to the world for a change instead of scrolling straight past it. I'm not chasing perfect shots, I'm just enjoying noticing things again, and I'd forgotten how much I liked that.
Always somewhere in the middle of a book
I'm one of those people who's never not reading something. Right now I'm deep in my romantasy era and Fourth Wing was just brilliant, I had no notes, I'm obsessed.
But I read all sorts really. I love a good graphic novel, and I've got a real soft spot for independent authors I find at markets, the ones pouring everything into their work with none of the big machine behind them. And I will always, always pick up a beautiful children's book, because as an illustrator I know exactly how much effort goes into every single page. People underestimate how much love is hiding in a picture book.
A few favourite things lately
Because everyone loves a little list.
Morning cuddle with my fluffballs Skye & Rocky
Sitting on an evening with a tea and a cosy Nintendo game
Ice creams because it’s so warm!
Beach walks and sea glass collecting
Overall enjoying life to the fullest because I can!
That's the version of me you don't always see in the work, though if you look closely it's all in there. The love of little details, the joy in things made with proper care, the soft spot for people who are unashamedly into what they're into. It's all the same thread, whether I'm building a brand or a very large Lego castle.
So now you know me a bit better. Come say hi, tell me your current Lego build, or tell me your favourite book. I'm always up for it. 💜
