Illustration & Surface Pattern Design
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by Heidi Vilkman

Your story is the Design. Your brand has a story worth telling.

I help heritage brands tell their story through hand-drawn, biophilic print design - so they can stand out from their competitors without relying on trends. I'm the only surface designer who combines a decade of design industry experience, an award-winning filmmaker's mindset, and my Roots to Bloom™ process, for heritage brands who want design rooted in real story.

Let's tell it together.
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My Design Principle

Whether the outcome is a pattern collection, signature illustration, or visual identity system, my approach is always the same: I begin with your story. Your story is the basis of the design.

I create my work using Roots to Bloom™ methodology - a process rooted in research that uncovers the bones of your brand, what values it embraces, and what makes it distinctly yours.

My hand drawn style is 'nostalgic realism' mixed with 'intentional maximalism' - aimed at creating unique visual expression that translates your brand stories, without having to follow trends.

My DESIGN SERVICES

My cottage is my design story

I'm a designer, who finds endless 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 best and most beautiful muse!

I love telling stories and helping brands stand out from their competitors with timeless patterns and illustrations. I care deeply about the environment and work with companies to whom sustainability is an intrinsic value, not an afterthought.

more about me

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

Testimonials

What my clients say

"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

"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

“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

“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

"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 (trade only), please connect through my portfolio page or email me at: info@heidivilkman.com