Partnership Announcement
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.
“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.
Liberty London Flagship Store Illustration
I created this illustration as part of an open project by the fabulous Liberty London, a luxury homeware department store.
I created this illustration as part of an open project by the fabulous Liberty London. As one of the capital’s favourite luxury department stores, it’s best known for its sumptuous homeware and stylish products and fabric line.
My reference imagery for the piece was provided by my good friend Amy, who lives in London. I drew the artwork by hand using a large digital display tablet, drawing directly onto the screen using a pressure-sensitive pen.
I was especially struck by the wonderful asymmetry of the building. Small differences between the right and left side of the store kept me utterly enthralled in the process of creating the piece.
The more astute of you may spot that the diamond pattern in the background was inspired by the detailing visible on the building itself. I chose the background colour to reflect Liberty's iconic brand purple.
Supporting Live Music by Design
Live music is one of the many things I've been missing hugely during the lockdown, that's why I decided to design something to support my local music venue, The Georgian Theatre.
Live music is one of the many things I've been missing hugely during the lockdown, that's why I decided to design something to support my local music venue, The Georgian Theatre.
As part of their fundraiser, I've created a new t-shirt design depicting the iconic venue in all its glory! All proceeds go towards securing the future of the venue.
Firmly rooted in the heart of my hometown, Stockton, The Georgian Theatre has found its program of gigs devastated by the virus. It's also interrupted their work with up and coming talent. I wanted to help out, as the Georgian has played its part in creating some brilliant memories for me; outstanding bands like The Comet is Coming, Snakerattlers, and The Black Sheep Frederick Dickens, to the regular comedy nights by Shoe Cake to name but a few.
"Support Your Scene" is a rallying cry to action, urging us to keep live music alive. In that spirit, I've created this limited edition 'Support Your Scene' Badge. The Badges and the T-shirts are both super limited edition products and can only be picked up by supporting the Georgian Theatre fundraiser. At the time of publishing this, there are only 44 T-shirts left up for grabs out of the limited run of 100.
The Tees Music Alliance have spent 30+ years providing support for artists, promoters and audiences. To get your T-shirt and badge, support the fundraiser below.
Interview by Chloe Tempesteso, Founder of Project Middlesbrough
Chloe was interested in my connection to Middlesbrough, so I shared my fond memories of studying at the exceptional The Northern School Of Art Middlesbrough campus, where I met my partner Owen, and getting my degree at their equally brilliant Hartlepool campus.
Would you like to introduce yourself?
I am an independent multi-award-winning Graphic Designer and Illustrator, based in the North-East of England and working worldwide. I create all sorts of illustrations, often of iconic local landmarks. These illustrations are usually commissioned by local businesses to use as part of their brand, for display in their headquarters or to sell on merchandise. I also create privately commissioned illustrations of people's homes and their favourite local landscapes. I also help established businesses and start-ups by creating branding and promotional materials.
What's your favourite landmark in Middlesbrough?
My favourite landmark is the iconic Transporter Bridge. It's such a striking and dynamic structure. I currently sell prints of my original illustration of the transporter bridge on my website. The commission was an exciting challenge... I had to pay careful attention to the detail and character of the bridge. It's one of my favourite projects to date! I'm now selling charity phone wallpapers and Facebook banners of the illustration featuring a rainbow of hope, encouraging people to Stay Safe in Teesside. 100% of the proceeds are going to the NHS Together Charity.
What does Middlesbrough mean to you?
I went to college to study graphic design at Green Lane, the Middlesbrough campus of the Northern School of Art. This is also where I met my partner, Owen. We found we shared a love of illustration and collaborated together brilliantly. From student nights out at venues like the Medicine Bar to visits to Mima art gallery, I have a bunch of fond memories of Middlesbrough.
What's the story behind your artwork and you becoming an artist?
A year and a half after graduating from the Northern School of Art's university campus, Owen and I entered a competition together to produce 12 large railway posters for permanent display...and won! These are on display at Hartlepool Railway station and the designs are sold on merchandise such as prints, pillows, tote bags and tea towels.
The railway posters were the perfect springboard for me to take the leap to become a self-employed designer and illustrator, leaving my job as an in-house designer for a local apprenticeship provider. Businesses across Teesside began commissioning me to create detailed scenic illustrations of Teesside landmarks and I found myself becoming increasingly renowned across the North East for my distinct style, which is reminiscent of vintage travel posters, but with a modern twist. I’m passionate about showing Teesside in a positive light through colourful, contemporary design.
How is your Teesside themed artwork received by people in Middlesbrough/Teesside?
My work often resonates with people who live in Teesside, and therefore have fond memories of some of the landmarks I've illustrated. I've received so many lovely emails with people explaining how much one of my illustrations means to them because of the memories the location holds. It's one of my favourite things about this job.
I've also found that many businesses commission me to create artwork that will represent their Teesside heritage...for instance, one of my clients, North Star Housing Association, commissioned me to create illustrations of local landmarks for use as wall art in their Headquarters. Vintage Chartered Financial Planners also commissioned me to create an illustration of Roseberry Topping, as they felt the image perfectly encapsulated their Teesside Heritage and brand personality.
What would your advice to anyone in Middlesbrough/Teesside want a career in art?
If you're at the start of your journey and looking to study art or design, I can't make a stronger recommendation than The Northern School of Art. Both Middlesbrough's Green Lane Campus and Hartlepool's University level campus are fabulous institutions. My own experience was that the tutors were supportive and knowledgeable, and the facilities were excellent and easily accessible.
That said, there's nothing to say you have to study art and design to practice the arts at a professional level. My advice would be, if you want to be an artist...make art! It might sound overly simple, but you are what you repeatedly do, and if you can turn creating art into a habit, you're already halfway there! ‘
Written by Chloe Tempesteso, founder of Project Middlesbrough original interview here
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?
Wall Art Works Wonders for North Star
North Star Housing approached me to create a series of illustrations that would reflect their strong connections with the Tees Valley and South West Durham areas.
North Star Housing approached me to create a series of illustrations that would reflect their strong connections with the Tees Valley and South West Durham areas. I am well-known for my illustrations of the Northeast, so I struck them as the perfect person for the job!
My latest piece of wall art for North Start HQ is of Market Cross in Barnard Castle. The Market Cross, or 'Butter Mart' is a truly original sight and one of Barnard Castle's most arresting images. Built in 1747, it was a gift to the town from Thomas Breaks. The architecture was wonderful to draw and I had fun capturing it in my signature style.
Three fabulous facts about wall art:
1. It reduces workplace stress and improves productivity. One study, involving over 2000 participants, showed that productivity and positivity were increased by 17% once the artwork was brought in.
2. It creates a fantastic first impression! By commissioning artwork that fit your company's ‘personality’, you reflect what you are about from the second someone steps into your offices.
3. It's an easy way to create an impressive and enjoyable surrounding that puts your clients at ease (without breaking the bank).
Previous commissions for Northstar Headquarters have included my depiction of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge, and a license to use my illustration of Stockton town Hall. Below is a video I took showing all three pieces of art on display at North Star HQ.
“Working with Abby is a real pleasure! Abby is incredibly passionate about her work, and this shines through in her communication and suggestions to create the best result for the art. Here at North Star, we are incredibly proud of our local communities, and Abby has been a real asset in helping us showcase some landmarks within our communities. The most recent Artwork being Market Cross in Barnard Castle. This beautiful building was built in 1747, and the image Abby has created brings some history to our office with a modern twist. Abby is very professional and accommodating, and we are always pleased to work with her.”
With the three bespoke Illustrations I've created for the North Star, I've been able to represent their heritage and Teesside roots through beautiful, full-colour wall art.
If you're interested in commissioning some original artwork that creates the perfect first impression for your business, why not get in touch?