CVFM Radio Interview

On Saturday the 4th July, we were interviewed on CVFM radio, with host Chloe Tempesto who runs Project Middlesbrough.

A few highlights are included below and you can press click on the player below to listen to the full interview…

Chloe: So, you're both going into business together as a partnership...tell me about that. 

Abby: We've officially registered a partnership together. Previous to this, I was going solo for two and a half years. We met at college, and we've worked together on and off for ten years. It seemed like the perfect step for us. We're a two-person Teesside based creative studio, so we offer illustration and graphic design services. We also sell prints of our artwork on our website, and we've got a new series of Teesside inspired illustrations coming out in the next few weeks.

Chloe: It's a very exciting time to launch - how was launching pre-lockdown? I know it's been hard for a lot of businesses. How was the decision to launch during this time?

Owen: We'd actually planned a launch party just before lockdown started and we'd got the invites sorted, we were going to invite all of Abby's existing clients and we were tremendously excited about it, and then BAM, lockdown hit! But it turned out there were ways we could use our services to support other businesses during this difficult time, such as social distancing signage. People needed different kinds of marketing materials, and some were on the verge of starting a business who were in a similar situation to us. It felt great to be able to actively help.

Chloe: How did your interest in art start? Where does it go back to, and how did we get to Abby+Owen..what's the back story?

Abby: I think we've always both been very creative, even as kids. I have a very distinct memory of my peers in primary school queuing up and wanting me to draw their favourite Pokemon! Going through school I didn't realise how much of a viable career in the arts could be.

When I went to the Northern School of Art in Middlesbrough, that was a big step- and is actually where we met. It's a fantastic establishment that helped us grow as creatives and find our feet with what we wanted to do. We formed this strong friendship and we realised we collaborated well and always gave each other input and taught each other things. We just hit it off.

Owen: There was a real synergy there, we had a very compatible style, but also in how we came up with ideas...a big part of coming up with ideas for us is making it as memorable and funny as possible, and we clicked in that respect, too. 

Chloe: How is having your work out there for everyone to see?

Abby:  Back in 2017 we worked on 12 large format pieces for Hartlepool railway station, and that was the first time we'd seen our work on such a large scale. We still go through the station and it's still something I'm not used to. It was so surreal... it was also the perfect stepping stone into self-employment for me.

Chloe: Did that project give you the confidence to go self-employed?

Abby: It just felt like if there would be a point in time that it would happen, then there was a perfect time. I feel like for Owen and I need the challenge to be able to thrive...some employment can feel a bit stifling, and we wanted to break out of that and do something we love. 

So what's the future for Abby+Owen, what can we expect?

Owen: Abby has already made quite a name for herself in Teesside for the sort of artwork she does, which champions local businesses. The future is where I come in, and that's what this partnership represents, I'm bringing a commercial voice and more of a graphic design orientated aspect to the business. I've spent 4 years in industry already and got given a directorship role in my first year. I've worked on all sorts, creating brands from the ground up as well as working on things like mascot design and packaging. I have a lot of commercial experience, and when you bring that together with what Abby provides, which is a really meticulous approach, we create amazing things together.

Chloe: What's it like to create artwork themed around Teesside?

Abby: It's something I'm proud of. I was born in Stockton, and Owen and I live there currently. I feel like Teesside is overlooked in a lot of ways but it has a lot to offer and there's so many beautiful spaces and landmarks. I feel proud to champion that and show Teesside is a fantastic place, too.

Pictured Roseberry Topping, a commission by Vintage Chartered Financial Planners

Chloe: What's that like to be looked at like a role model and have people reach out for advice and guidance?

Abby: It's really lovely and we've always done talks in the past such as BBC Bitesize and always really loved them. Sometimes the best way for someone to get a better idea of what they want to do and feel motivated is to talk to someone who's been through that. It's nice to keep that conversation open so they don't feel like they're alone and have to figure it out by themselves.

Chloe: I feel a lot of people don't think of Teesside as a successful place you can have a business in the arts, that's a stereotype I have had people say to me. So showcasing the fact you have been very successful and had pieces of art commissioned. Do you think that's a clear example of as long as you work hard, you can do anything if you put your mind to it?

Abby: To some extent, though I do find that saying hard to get behind. I feel like a lot comes down to the right situation, chance and other factors that are out of your control. If someone needs to work full-time to keep a roof over their head, it's going to be very unwise to drop out of that, and no matter how hard they work, it may not work out. That sounds like a negative slant, but there is an element of truth in that saying, we've really pushed and worked really hard and I think people in the area are recognising that. An example being The Globe who reached out and commissioned me, and I think a lot of local businesses would rather support a local artist.

Chloe: What would be your advice for young artists listening?

Owen: I think concentrate on your craft and the parts you enjoy doing, as that's where your passion is going to shine through. It doesn't matter what form your creativity takes, as long as it's something you want to do, and will keep doing it anyway, and with a bit of luck and preparation hopefully, things can work out for you. 

Abby: We're also very pro-education. If it's something you enjoy doing it's important to learn the craft in as much depth as you can. For the type of work we do, we felt it was important to get some sort of industry experience before going self-employed, as you're more equipped for it. 

Owen: Someone said map out your career but do it in pencil, and I think that's never been truer for creative people.

Abby: Yeah! and plenty of room to doodle in the margins

Partnership Announcement

“How can I add value?” - it’s the question I ask myself with every new project…

As a creative problem solver, it’s my job to help brands present the best versions of themselves to their audience. As a business owner, it’s my ambition to offer the best version of my company to my clients. 

When Owen and I met, ten years ago at The Northern School of Art, I saw potential...

Potential, not just for friendship and romance, but a strong professional partnership. Even as a budding artist, Owen's flair for technical drawing, his funny and original ideas, and his strong commercial voice were all very apparent. It wasn’t long before we began collaborating on freelance opportunities, thriving off the way our skill sets perfectly complemented one another.

In 2015 we both graduated from the Northern School of Art with First Class Honours Degrees. As graduates, we began to map out our future in pencil, leaving plenty of room to doodle in the margins.

But first, we wanted a taste of industry…

I landed a position as an in-house graphic designer, creating web and print materials, while doing freelance work in the evenings. Meanwhile, Owen got a job at a local creative agency, producing work for an array of clients. 

The opportunity to work together arose again in 2017…

In 2017 we collaborated on a competition run by Grand Central. Once again, the value that we added to one another’s work shone through- we not only won the competition, but were commissioned to produce a further six illustrations for Hartlepool railway station. The project even won a local Award for Tourism Potential.

Using this springboard, I leapt into self-employment…

I began building my business from the ground up, as Owen rose to the position of design director at the creative studio he had entered as a junior designer. 

Over the past two and a half years, I have poured my heart and soul into building a strong reputation for this business, through a portfolio of intricate architectural illustrations and striking branding designs. Not one to take success for granted, I began to circle back to that all-important question - how can I add value? What can I offer my clients, that I’m not already offering?

The answer was sitting in front of me…

In October 2019, Owen stepped down from his directorship role ready for a new challenge. We knew it was the right time to forge an official partnership, and in May 2020, ‘Abby+Owen’ was born. 

‘Abby+Owen’ is the sum of its parts...

It’s a creative powerhouse, bringing fresh ideas to the table. It’s an agile, two-person studio offering unmatched dedication to clients. It’s an organic development of our careers, but most importantly - it’s us, offering the best version of ourselves.

National Museum of the Royal Navy: Eliza's Adventure History Trail

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”

— Richard Davidson, Learning Producer at NMRN

“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.
”

— Roslyn Adamson, General Manager at NMRN

Sending My Artwork Worldwide - Where Can I get a Vintage View to?

In June 2018, I was commissioned by Vintage Chartered Financial Planners to make an illustration of Roseberry Topping.

The feedback they received on the artwork since its creation has been nothing short of remarkable and so rather than keep the image to themselves, they decided to share it with the world by sending ‘Vintage View’ postcards to all corners of the globe.

I loved this idea and got involved immediately by sending the postcard to family, friends, business connections and clients all over the world, from New York, Hong Kong, Africa, Spain and Switzerland to name just a few. Below is a collection of those who helped. Watch the video below to find out more about the project, or read the press release Businesses Unite with Roseberry Topping Artwork.

If you would like a postcard please contact Vintage or myself so we can get Rosie even further!

Dehli - India

Taken at Humayun tomb in Dehli by photographer and letterpress artist, Francis Fitzgerald. See his work here.

Hong Kong

Taken in Hong Kong by Laura, who is a teacher, teaching English as a foreign language.

Namibia - Africa

Taken by Kathryn at Elevation Marketing while on a tracking expedition with Ray Mears at Erindi Game Reserve, Omaruru.

Amsterdam

Taken by my cousin Megan and her partner Frazer.

Clarence Pier - Portsmouth

Taken by Anjalee Burrows, an aspiring children’s book illustrator, who just completed her first illustrated book, The Hospital Hoppities.

Kedrodasos - Crete

Taken by Malcolm Wray a professional photographer living in Crete.

Reykjavik - Iceland

Taken by Lucy and Paul who run For the Love of the North, they offer North East related Gifts, Prints and Cards which are sourced directly from the artists.

Valencia - Spain

Taken by Karen at Vintage Chartered Financial Planners on her many travels.

Leeds

Taken at the Corn Exchange in Leeds by graphic designer, Adam.

New York

Taken from the Empire State Building in New York, by illustrator Amy Dipper.

Brazil

Taken at Vale nature reserve, one of the largest protected areas of Atlantic rainforest in Brazil. Taken by Amy who is studying zoology and is an aspiring writer, currently writing for Campus Society.

Geneva - Switzerland

Taken at Jet D’eau fountain by Andrew at ProJuice.

Camden Town - London

Taken by Becci, currently studying for her PhD in Biochemical Engineering at UCL.

Yonago-shi - Japan

Taken by Chi at Call Kanda shrine while she was visiting her family.

Madrid - Spain

Taken at the park, Parque Cerro del Tío Pío, but the locals know it as Las Siete Tetas (The Seven Tits) because it was an old landfill of seven mounds, which has been turned into a park. Taken by the lovely couple, Waine and Ruben.

Corfu - Greece

Taken on holiday by my parents, Paul and Angela.

New York - Central Park

Taken by Rebecca, who lives in Canada but was on holiday in New York.

Copenhagen & Paris

Taken by Andrea who was following the U2 tour and travelling a lot.

Toronto - Canada

Taken by Vicky, who used to travel past Roseberry Topping a lot when she was living in England, and reached out on social media to me. Taken at Hudson’s Bay Company.

Algarve - Spain

Taken By Beverley Lawson, Spanish Tutor in Darlington.

London

Taken by Anne-Marie, holistic therapist at Kismet. Photos taken on the cable cars over the Thames, and next to the life-size marble statue of Queen Victoria, at Guys and St Thomas Hospital.

London

My own contribution while on a trip to London. I snapped a photo at the London Eye and a scene of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (currently getting a makeover)

Little Loch Broom - Scotland

Taken by Michael Ritchie, a student at Edinburgh University.

Budapest

Taken by Nina York.

Wales

Mount Snowden, taken by Debbie Branson.

One Year On - New Products and Hartlepool Council Catch Up

Hartlepool Borough Council has just launched a brand new range of merchandise featuring the Hartlepool Railway Station Artwork. The new merchandise came about after a huge response to the initial illustrations my partner Owen Smith and I created last year. I recently caught up with the council and Hartlepool Art Gallery to discuss what has been a very successful few months.

The start of this journey began 15 months ago, when I worked on what has so far been one of the biggest projects of my career. Together with Owen, I created twelve vintage-inspired illustrations based on tourist destinations in the area, which have since been on permanent display at Hartlepool Railway Station, with A4 and A3 prints also released for sale.

Pictured (L-R) are Abigail Taylor, Owen Smith, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher and Francis Fitzgerald, from Cleveland College of Art & Design.

This project became a great springboard into my self-employment career, and I have since been able to work on other commercial illustrations for The Northern School of Art and Roseberry Topping for Vintage Financial planners, as well as releasing my own work of my hometown Stockton-on-Tees. With many other illustrative projects in the pipeline, it looks to be an exciting year ahead.

More excitingly, Hartlepool Borough Council have recently secured funding to expand the range of products beyond the initial prints, with tote bags, tea towels and mugs all now available at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

Abby Taylor with selection of Hartlepool Merchandise. Photo by Michael Grant of www.rainbowphoto.co.uk

I first spoke to Rob Smith, the Regeneration Team Leader at Hartlepool Borough Council, who helped put together the original brief and has had huge involvement with the project from the very start.

When asked about the impact the illustrations have had since their release, Rob said ‘The artwork has been really successful for the council. It's creating a real sense of arrival into Hartlepool station and a strong first impression, even for those just passing through. The artwork has also meant the Railway Station has become more of a gateway into the town. The illustrations showcase the full range of local attractions to the public and have raised the profile of some of the lesser-known destinations, as well as just brightening up the area and making it look more inviting.

Featured Products: Seaton Carew Clock Tower tea towel, St Hilda’s Church, Church Street, Seaton Carew Clock Tower and Ward Jackson Park mugs

The response from the public has been outstanding. We've had so many positive comments on it and found people are often drawn to the artwork location which evokes childhood memories. The artwork has been very versatile and we use the pieces as much as we can. They’re used primarily on marketing materials, the website and decoration in our offices - they were even used as the backdrop for the general election. They really help give people a positive vibrant impression of the town.”

The imagery is owned by Hartlepool Borough Council with A3 and A4 prints currently being sold at Hartlepool Art Gallery, which is based in the beautiful former Christ Church building. Inside the Art Gallery, there is a shop selling local products, a cafe run by a local school. They also provide tourist information, in addition to promoting and selling tickets for Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

Featured Products: The Headland lined tote bags and Seaton Carew faux velvet pillows

I spoke to Ashley Landsbury, the Museum and Art Gallery Manager. Out of curiosity, I asked Ashley which have been the most popular illustrations out of the twelve. So far the bestsellers have been, the Clock Tower at Seaton Carew, St Hilda’s Church, The Town Wall at the Headland and Ward Jackson Park. Ashley also found people have mainly been buying the prints of areas which they live, previously lived or which evoke memories for them. They are often bought as gifts for people who have moved out of the area too.

When asked about her personal opinion on the work she said “People using the railway station are seeing the positive, attractive side of Hartlepool and this is promoting and encouraging people to visit these areas across the town. The work has been sent worldwide and promotes a good image of the town and the artists.’

It really has been a momentous year for all involved with this project, and I couldn't be happier with the results we've had.

Enterprising Stockton Awards Celebrates New Entrepreneurs

On Stockton Infinity bridge with Enterprising Stockton Award for 'Journey Travelled'

On the 4th July 2018, I was invited as a finalist for the Enterprising Stockton Awards. The event was held at Stockton Riverside College and supported by partners such as The Prince's Trust and Five Lamps. This is the second annual Enterprising Stockton awards evening, it's aim is to highlight the success and accomplishments of individuals and independent businesses from across the borough. It was a wonderful evening with live entertainment, great food and likeminded people. It was exciting to see organisations like this come together to recognise local entrepreneurs and I was honoured to be a part of it.

There were seven award categories and I was absolutely thrilled to win 'Journey Travelled' and come runner-up in the categories for 'Most Profit' and 'Overall Best Business'. It was such a proud moment and means I now have two different awards under my belt in my first year of business. The first award was by Hartlepool Civic Society in the category 'Tourism Potential' for my collaboration with Owen Smith on the prestigious Hartlepool Railway Artwork.

With partner Owen Smith, who I collaborated with for the Hartlepool Railway Station Artwork

For my application form I had to explain my journey and what makes me different, so here is a snippet...

Having my own business is something I had always aspired to do, but the Hartlepool Railway Station artwork definitely inspired the launch, as it gave me complete confidence in my abilities and attention from the media and public, which I needed to make a really strong start. I specialise in creating commercial illustrations and branding for businesses and as public interest in my work gradually grew, I have had the privilege to work with clients such as Tees Music Alliance, Vintage Chartered Financial Planners, Cleveland College of Art & Design and The National Museum of the Royal Navy. I have hit a point now, where there is so much happening and so many exciting projects coming up. I have also started selling my own Stockton-on-Tees prints by partnering with the local independent business DRAKE The Bookshop, and will be expanding my work for sale in the future too. 

The specialised artwork I create is a unique service and each brand I create is bespoke and made to stand out from competitors. I am very honest with my clients and give them advice and guidance to get the best possible result, I take time to communicate well and be respectful and patient, I may suggest using a different type of product that would be more suitable for the purpose, or a change to their business persona. This can be a little unusual, as many graphic designers will do exactly what the client asks for even if they believe it won’t work very well, just to get the job done. Although, I am never pushy, and so far every client has taken my suggestions on board and has been very pleased with the result. Below is a snippet from a testimonial from Stephanie's Dog Training.

“Abby happily went back and forth discussing designs and colours until I was 100% on my design, I was never rushed and pushed into making decisions and Abby even checked after the process was finished that everything was working ok and functioning on all social media outlets. Without a doubt I would recommend her as most of all I felt my brand was safe in her hands!”

— Stephanie's Dog Training

On the 9th August, a press release about the awards evening was published in the Evening Gazette, alongside a photo and quote from myself...

Among the award winners was Stockton-based graphic designer Abby Taylor. Abby launched her business, Abby Taylor Graphic Design and Illustration, just one year ago, after collaborating with Owen Smith on 12 pieces of artwork displayed at Hartlepool Railway Station.

She said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win Journey Travelled and also to be a runner up in Most Profit and Best Overall Business. It was such a proud moment and a wonderful event where I got to meet some great people. Of the Enterprising Stockton initiative she said: “It’s amazing to see these huge organisations come together to recognise local entrepreneurs and I was honoured to be a part of it.”

If you are considering getting a brand refresh or rebrand, or high-impact artwork, please email hello@iamabbytaylor.com or fill in the contact form on the Contact page.