Illustration & Surface Pattern Design
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by Heidi Vilkman

I am Heidi, a Finnish-born, UK-based storyteller and surface designer.
I work with brands who want their story told by hand-drawn design.
I lean into your voice and research your unique narrative and turn it into commercially viable design that speaks your language.

What does your brand stand for, what does it want to say?
Let me tell it in design.

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commission a custom design LICENSe FROM my FOLIO

My Design Style

My signature style sits between nostalgic realism and intentional maximalism - hand-drawn with plenty of consodered colour and detail. Each of my designs starts with a research into a place, plant or a folk story. I always draw with pen on paper before using digital tools. Organic, hand-drawn line is intrinsic to my work and design method.
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My work has 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