About me

Helen Ridley is an Illustrator and Artist based in Reading, UK. She creates charming and colourful illustrations of people, creatures, and imagined worlds. Inspired by old movies, vintage photographs, botanical gardens, woodland walks, and 1970’s cookbooks. Surface pattern design, editorial illustration and bespoke commissions.

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Projects

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  Are You Listening? Festival Charity Auction Poster 2023I was commissioned to design and print an A3 poster to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Are You Listening? Festival in Reading. The poster features one of the headline bands at the festival, Panic Shack. It was inspired by their fantastic style and their hit single 'Meal Deal'. I created the poster design using Procreate and digitally printed it on 100% recycled 350gsm paper in the UK. All proceeds of the Charity Auction will go to local charity Reading Mencap, which supports young people
• Radical Radish Print DesignA self initiated project to create a vegetable themed print design. Created using Procreate.
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  Retro Swim CollectionA collection of printed swimwear, tote bags, mugs, notebooks and prints. Featuring my watercolour print designs which were inspired by outdoor swimming and vintage swimcaps. See the full collection at https://www.helenridley.com/ Photos by Rosie Bowers. https://rxcrose.com/

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Work history

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Awards CoordinatorThe Association of Illustrators
Mar 2023London, United KingdomPart Time
Awards coordinator for the World Illustration Awards
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IllustratorHelen Ridley Illustration
Sep 2020Reading, United KingdomFreelance
Product and Print Design and Development for printed stationery, cards, gift wrap, decorations, accessories and homewares. Sourcing Management and Negotiation for product and packaging materials. Online Sales Management and Fulfilment via own website helenridley.com, Etsy, Thortful, Printful and Spoonflower. Sales Manager at art fairs and markets to increase brand exposure and expand revenue streams. Marketing Manager and Content Creator for social media, newsletter, blog and Facebook ads. PR Management and Promotion, securing press in Stylist and Outdoor Swimmer magazine. Website Management and Maintenance for helenridley.com Financial Management and Bookkeeping. Bespoke freelance commissions.

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Skills

• Drawing
• Painting Illustration
• Adobe Photoshop
• Character Design
• Food Illustration
• Animal Illustration
• Abstract
• Print Design
• Watercolour Illustration
• Ink Drawing

Education

Short Course - Introduction to IllustrationLondon Metropolitan University
Feb 2019 - Mar 2019London, United Kingdom
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BA (Hons) Fashion DesignMiddlesex University
Sep 2002 - Jun 2005London, United Kingdom