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

Press Release: A bear on the bed, an alligator in the tub and a tiger on a two-seater: Stockton’s shop safely campaign

‘Graphic artist duo have partnered to create striking and unusual social distancing posters

Artists Abby Taylor and Owen Smith have formed a new partnership Abby+Owen to collaborate on social distancing posters.

Commissioned by Stockton BID manager Jason Maxwell in May, the duo created signage for the town with around 210 posters currently on display in independent shops, the Castlegate Shopping Centre as well as on the high street.

Stockton BID wanted a safe way to re-open their shops and the posters certainly fit the fun and quirky brief.

Abby Taylor and Owen Smith have designed signage for Stockton advising on social distancing and safe shopping

“We realised signage is very corporate so we wanted to make something really accessible, especially for children.

“We wanted to show the danger but without scaring them”, says Abby.

Collaborating on and off for 10 years, Abby and Owen are used to bouncing ideas off each other and within nine days the posters were ready for distribution from June 1.

“With people spending more time at home, house objects seemed the perfect thing to use”, says Abby, and they set a clear image of the 2m distance.

Abby Taylor and Owen Smith of new partnership Abby+Owen

With Stockton as her hometown, proud Abby added: “It’s a historic moment to be part of”.’

- By Anna Twizell for Teesside Live

Competition Closed: Win a Free Door Portrait

Over the coming months, most of us will be spending almost all of our time in our homes due to social distancing, so let's look upon our homes with renewed gratitude for the safety and comfort they provide.

In the spirit of that sentiment, I will now be offering front door portraits as an even more affordable new alternative to my custom house portraits. For the intro price of £50, you can commission me for a beautiful keepsake illustration of your front door.

Right now there's a chance to try the service out for free, by entering my giveaway prize draw on social media. Head to my Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for details on how to enter!

I'll be choosing three winners at random, one from Facebook, one from Instagram and one from LinkedIn, (you can enter this competition on multiple platforms to increase your chance of winning!) The winners will be announced on Thursday 9th April at 1pm.) Good Luck everyone!

If you're interested in commissioning me for an original illustration of your front door, why not get in touch with me today?

For The Love of The North! A Very Northern Collaboration

Whitley Bay is one of several quaint seaside towns in the North East of England. A few months ago, I visited for the first time, to take some snaps of the 'Spanish City', a stunning architectural feature that has recently been restored to become the vibrant hub of activity it was always intended to be.

I had been commissioned to produce an original illustration of the Spanish City, to be featured in an exclusive 2020 calendar as well as lots of other exciting products. The calendar is the brainchild of 'For the Love of the North', who offer Gifts, Prints and Cards, all sourced directly from artists who live and work in the North East of England (myself included!).

My illustration is just one of twelve beautiful pieces, each by a different Northern artist, selected to represent each month of the year. I am delighted to have my illustration proudly showcased beside the very best of North East Creatives, and to share in this visual celebration of love for our wonderful region.

My illustration of the Spanish City is the final piece in the calendar, representing December. I decided to illustrate this famous and charming landmark during a light snowfall, giving it a pleasing Christmas card feel. I actually created two versions of the illustration, the second version shows the Spanish City on a beautiful summers day, but the snowy version seemed perfect for the December page of the calendar.

You can buy the calendar online for just £8 with free shipping within the UK. I would highly recommend giving For The Love of The North a visit next time you are in Whitley Bay, Corbridge or Newcastle. It's a fantastic place with all sorts of beautiful gifts and artwork to peruse.

I'm also super excited to announce that some exclusive merchandise featuring my Spanish City illustration will soon be available, so keep an eye out for these Spanish City items in the near future, which will be available exclusively at 'For The Love of The North'. What’s more, For The Love of The North have a shop in the Spanish City itself where you can buy these awesome items, or order them online.

Press Release: Couple's Artwork Selling Itself - Designs now being used on mugs, tote bags and more

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