I'm Abbie-Leigh, I am a freelance illustrator based in Birmingham. I specialise in producing expressive, bright and playful illustrations in the area of children’s illustration, storytelling, and character design with a side of greeting cards.
My entire childhood was spent creating characters and storylines in my own little world. So illustrating has always come as a comfort to me. Being able to express myself and my thoughts visually by using colour and shape is exciting.
My practice is made up of a combination of digital drawing, collaging, texture making, watercolour and traditional pencil drawing. I am always experimenting with my work, looking for new ways to develop my visual language.
PROJECTS
Fraught with worry? Breathe Magazine - September 2022
An editorial project using the primary function of Illustration to act as visual commentary for a piece of journalism that is contained within newspapers and magazines. Solving visual complexity to communicate clearly with an audience.
ADM Live Project – December 2022
A project opportunity to respond to an external client brief whilst considering sustainability as a key aspect of contemporary creative industry work.
Context of Illustration – I Like the Wind Picture Book – October 2022 –
Exploring ways to create an engaging visual language suitable for a young audience. In-depth research into children’s illustration, and experimentation to explore ways of working with colour, text, image and layout. Finding a clear visual language that is consistent throughout the final piece Outcome- Storyboarding for a 24-page picture book, Two full colour pages, a clear understanding of how to respond to a younger audience.
Collaborative Practice Project - January 2023 -
Working in a small mixed-discipline group of peers on a collaborative project based around the theme of 'The Future City'. Working together to develop a museum that represents the ongoing climate change crisis to evoke change within future generations. My individual outcome was illustrated room concepts, floor plans and marketing strategies such as animated social media advertisements and strongly developed leadership and communication skills.
Final Major Project at BCU - May 2024
Two self-directed briefs co-aligned with a starter project. A fully illustrated and designed 24-page storybook, designed internally and externally. Cover design and external illustrations to complete the full design. A live brief - Working with an independent client to develop internal illustrations for her written story. Character design and story scenes. Alongside Greeting cards for my online shop.
EDUCATION
Birmingham City University (Sept 2020 – June 2024)
BA (Hons) Undergraduate Degree in Illustration with Foundation Year
South Staffordshire College (Sept 2018 - July 2020)
Level 3 Photography Diploma
