Illustration & Surface Pattern Design
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by Heidi Vilkman

I am Heidi, a Finnish-born, UK-based storyteller, illustrator and surface pattern designer.
I create narrative-led illustrations and pattern collections for licensing across fabric, clothing and homeware. I also turn bespoke brand briefs into production-ready hand-drawn design.

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commission a custom design LICENSe FROM my FOLIO

My Design Style and Process

My aesthetic is a contemporary, whimsical take on classic botanical illustration that seamlessly blends intricate, hand-drawn ink work and surface pattern design. With love of nature and its many details, my designs evoke a sense of appreciation for woodland folklore.

Every design starts with a research into a place or a story, after which I sketch with pencil and ink. Organic, hand-drawn line is central to my working method even when the end result is a scalable digital design. My background as a documentary filmmaker also shapes how I work: I often film the research and drawing process itself, and for select projects I animate the finished pattern into motion, so the story behind the design becomes your visual asset.
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My designs have been licensed for fabric and clothing and I have worked on bespoke client projects, including apparel, stationery and tableware. I am always happy to discuss creative briefs with founders and to find the best way to support you and your project.

You can read more about the way I approach design through this Creativeboom feature
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My cottage is my design story

I'm a designer, who finds inspiration in the natural world - from my childhood growing up in a Finnish forest - to this day living in a lush Yorkshire valley - nature remains my most important muse.

I enjoy telling stories and helping brands stand out from their competitors with bespoke illustrations and pattern design. I care about the environment and try to source my materials as sustainably as possible.

more about me

Heidi Vilkman on the roof of a natural cottage she built in Finland

Testimonials

What my clients say

"Heidi Vilkman is a brilliant combination of creative magic and professional precision. She worked quickly and imaginatively to meet the design brief, hit every deadline, delivered on budget and the outcome exceeded expectation. A rare thing indeed to have the full creative package and she was an absolute delight to collaborate with. Will definitely be working with her again and again. "

Helen Meller, Director - Arvon Lumb Bank

“Our business was just launching and we needed an illustrator for our tableware project. Heidi is a talented illustrator that was able to understand my vision quickly. I loved the final designs: the aesthetic, detail and colours were just what I was hoping for. Her beautiful sketches really sold me."

A Gilet - London

"Working with Heidi exceeded my expectations, her professionalism and vision are unique.
She has a beautiful way of understanding the emotion behind a project and translating
it into design. I would definitely work with her again."

C. Sanches - Veluna Baby

“We needed attractive designs within the brand style to put a fashion collection together. Heidi has a charming and beautiful style that can enhance your brand look. She is professional and creative and can deliver to your requirements quickly."

L.Lim - Singapore

"I collaborated with Heidi on the design of two tea sets for our licensed merchandise. From start to finish, she was professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Her creativity and attention to detail brought my two design briefs to life, and she delivered the final designs on time and within the agreed budget.
I am very happy with the results and would work with her again on future projects."

S. Nixon, President of Luxury Product Brand

Galleries

Portfolio of work

A selection of my illustrations and surface repeat patterns for different markets. My designs always start as hand drawn pencil sketches, which I refine further with watercolour paints, ink markers or by colouring digitally. My work follows a clear creative process and is always rooted in a story.

To request access to my entire portfolio, please email me at: info@heidivilkman.com