Helen of Mister Peebles
Have you always been a maker. If not how did you get here? I have always liked creating things, I went to art school to study costume design and after that worked in a few different places - a chocolate shop, a nightclub and office jobs. I started Mister Peebles with a market stall in Spitalfields one Friday in 2011, and I have been illustrating animals and making stationery since.
I work almost full time as a maker, I also work for a landscape design company. I really like the balance of having 2 jobs as I learn things in each that help the other. It's also nice being part of a team some days and travelling for work, then working solo in the studio on other days.
What does a typical day look like? I don't think there is a typical day anymore! I split my time between creative and the more admin side of the business. I work in a studio in an old steel works in the centre of Sheffield. It's a lovely quiet space, I have a small drawing room and a larger stock room which is amazing.
I often find inspiration on journeys, staring out of train windows or cycling for some reason. Maybe it is a time that my brain has some space.
I enjoyed drawing this gardener bear very much. It reminds me of my parents veg patch and the pleasing rows of produce. I'd also quite like to own the bear's outfit (and have her green paws)
What sets you apart from other makers in your category? I think everyone's style is so different. I like to focus on the details and adding personality to each character in my illustrations. I love the drawings to feel like a single image story that resonates with people or makes them laugh.
What’s your favourite part of making? I love painting, I use watercolours and love building up layers of paint and pencil to make different textures. Mixing colours is also one of my favourite parts, I own a lot of tiny tubes of paint!
What have you got from being a part of the Crafty Fox community? I have so many lovely Crafty Fox memories! Meeting fellow makers and getting to know people over the years has been incredible. Markets are such a lovely communal space to meet customers and other makers, when you work mostly in isolation, that feels really special.
See more of Helen’s work at www.misterpeebles.co.uk
