Celebrating Shades Hotel
Hartlepool Borough Council recently commissioned me to create some artwork of the Grade II listed Shades Hotel. I was delighted to play a part in celebrating this unique building.
Hartlepool Borough Council recently commissioned me to create some artwork of the Grade II listed Shades Hotel. The local authority bought the building as part of a major regeneration plan for Church Street and, having studied my Degree at the Northern School of Art's Hartlepool Campus, I have fond memories of Church Street. I was delighted to play a part in celebrating this unique building.
I was tasked with creating an external illustration of the Shades Hotel as it originally was, but with a modern-day slant. The illustration was to be used as the front page of the funding bid itself, providing the funders with an exciting visual image to get them enthused about the refurbishment project. The illustration will also form a part of the Shades image, going forward.
I created two versions of the illustration, one showing how the Shades looked in the 1950s, and another showing it after the renovation. A simple yet elegant accompanying animation creates a striking visual representation of the renovation, showing the 1950's version evolving into the modern-day renovation.
““The animation is perfect, just what we were looking for – thank you so much. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the project... the illustrations are fantastic. We will, of course, consider you for any future work on different projects – it’s a pleasure working with you.””
If you're interested in commissioning some original artwork that creates the perfect first impression, why not get in touch?
Schoolchildren’s Winning Logo Made Into a Reality
Hartlepool Borough Council has had a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to breathe new life into the Church Street Conservation Area. They put out a competition out to schools and colleges for The Church Street Revival’s new identity, I got involved by making the winning Church Street Revival logo digital, which was designed by two school children, Connie Brydie and Isabelle Judson.
Hartlepool Borough Council has received £1.1million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver a three-year project to breathe new life into Church Street Conservation Area. The aim is to improve the quality of the built environment in the Conservation Area and raise awareness of the area’s rich heritage.
Thus, The Church Street Revival Project was born, they needed a logo and decided to put out a competition for local schools, colleges and the Dabble Art Group, they got over 300 entries. Connie Brydie and Isabelle Judson from West Park Primary School were the winners of the competition, with their vibrant circular logo using the Christ Church building as the focal image against a setting sun.
I got involved by working with Connie and Isabelle to develop the final design, which involved showing them how the logo was drawn up, important elements to think about when designing a logo, and allowing them to take ownership of their design by choosing the colour scheme and type layout.
The aim of the Church Street Revival Project, which is supported financially by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is to improve the quality of the built environment in the Conservation Area and raise awareness of the area’s rich heritage.
To find out more about Hartlepool Revival and how you could get involved in the activities or volunteer hartlepool.gov.uk/churchstreetrevival
“Abby was brilliant at working with the Connie and Isabelle, the Church Street Revival logo competition winners from West Park Primary School. She was inspirational in her approach, clearly explaining how she had worked with their original drawing to develop options, from which they collectively chose a final digital logo image. ”
The Church Street Revival Team alongside myself, Connie and Isabelle
Connie and Isabelle choosing the logo colour scheme and typography position they liked best.
Press Release: Couple's Artwork Selling Itself - Designs now being used on mugs, tote bags and more
‘HARTLEPOOL railway station’s acclaimed artwork is now featured in a wide range of merchandise…’
Photo by Michael Grant of www.rainbowphoto.co.uk
‘HARTLEPOOL railway station’s acclaimed artwork is now featured in a wide range of merchandise.
Illustrator Abby Taylor created the 12 giant, vintage pictures with her partner Owen Smith last year.
Now council chiefs have secured funding to produce tote bags, tea towels, mugs and other items which are available at Hartlepool Art Gallery.
Abby said: “This was the start of my freelance career as the project got good traction and was the ideal springboard for me. It still feels so surreal to see the artwork we created on merchandise. We spent a long time working on them after our 9-5 jobs in the makeshift room while working on the dining table and a small desk on wheels till late.”
Abby and Owen graduated from Cleveland College of Art and Design/Northern School of Art in 2015. Abby worked as a graphic designer for two years whilst Owen became the Director at LemonTop Creative.
She continued: “I love hearing people say they bought something and how much the location means to them and how much they like the artwork. It never gets old and makes me smile every time. The artwork evokes memories for a lot of people and I love that so much. I think the items are beautiful and the quality is so nice, the pillows are faux velvet and the totes fully lined too.”
Selection of Hartlepool Merchandise. Photos by Michael Grant of www.rainbowphoto.co.uk
The artist is currently working on artwork in the vintage-style of locations in Newcastle in collaboration with For the Love of The North, which have two shops and an online store. She is also working on a handful of start-up businesses, including a dairy-free milkshake company. The Hartlepool artwork is on sale now at Hartlepool Art Gallery.’
- Article by journalist, Amie Slack of Hartlepool Life.
Further Reading:
Check out my latest blog post One Year On - New Products and Hartlepool Council Catch Up
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.
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
Winner of 'Journey Travelled' and runner-up in the categories 'Most Profit' and 'Overall Best Business'. This now means I now have two different awards under my belt in my first year of business.
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!”
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.
Press Release: Hartlepool Borough Council Railway Station Artwork
Twelve bold new pieces of artwork have gone on display at Hartlepool railway station, the designs show popular Hartlepool landmarks.
Article by Hartlepool Mail:
”Twelve bold new pieces of artwork have gone on display at Hartlepool railway station.
The designs – by Cleveland College of Art and Design graduates Abigail Taylor and Owen Smith – show popular Hartlepool landmarks, including the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Greatham Beck, the Heugh Battery Museum and Hartlepool Marina. Abigail and Owen won the competition run by Hartlepool Council to create six pieces themed on key locations in Hartlepool-based on the hey-day of railway posters of the 1920s-1950s. Once they had won the competition the council commissioned them for a further six pieces.
“The new artwork looks great and provides a stunning welcome to the town. Hundreds of thousands of visitors pass through the station each year and this is a way to showcase some of the great attractions on offer in Hartlepool.”
Pictured (L-R) are Abigail Taylor, Owen Smith, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher and Francis Fitzgerald, from Cleveland College of Art & Design.
The artwork was also used as the backdrop for the general election in June 2017
Owen, 26, said: “We worked with our photographs and sketches of the areas to create rough collages, in pursuit of the scenic compositions of the golden age of railway poster art. “We were able to pin down some compositions right away, while others took shape organically as we worked.”
The pair remember very well the day they found out they had won the competition. Abigail said: “We were sat in a busy pub checking emails on my phone and suddenly I just flew up out of my seat and started whooping! “Of course, then I had to explain to the table of confused faces that we had won the railway art competition we’d been telling our friends about, and before we knew it, everybody was buying us shots to celebrate! Everybody was really pleased for us, then we had a wonky walk back to the station, smiling our faces o ff!” She added: “It feels very surreal to see the artwork up at the railway station in Hartlepool “The largest we’d seen the artwork until that point was as A3 printouts! I guess most of all we were just incredibly pleased to be giving something back.”
“Having studied for three years at CCAD’s Hartlepool campus, and graduating in 2015, we regard the town with a growing fondness and nostalgia! Hartlepool is a place of modest beauty that will always be special to us. It was a pleasure to revisit those locations we frequented throughout our studies, and to stand back now to admire the view. ”
Further Reading
Press Release, Hartlepool Life: Art Graduates on Right Track with Winning Designs
Press Release, Hartlepool Mail: New Artwork Brightens Hartlepool Train Station
Press Release, Northern Echo: New Artwork from CCAD Graduates on Display at Hartlepool Railway station
Blog Post: One Year On - New Products and Hartlepool Council Catch Up
Snowy Photo: photography by Jennifer Jayne Toothill (moonjenphotos) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonjenphotos/
