Vicky Yorke is a surface pattern designer and illustrator working from her home studio in semi-rural Worcestershire, UK. She creates bright and playful designs that bring fun and warmth to everyday living. Vicky has always loved to draw, paint and create. After studying for a degree in Illustration from The Arts Institute, Bournemouth, Vicky worked in-house creating surface pattern designs for a variety of companies supplying stationery and homeware to the UK high street. Working on all aspects of the product development process from trend prediction to product sampling and even product management helped Vicky to learn about and understand what makes a great product. Unfortunately, in 2010 Vicky became very ill with a type of chronic leukemia called CML. Although she tried to continue working in-house for a while, her illness eventually made this too difficult, so Vicky made a decision to set up her own company, where she could work at her own pace and comfort level, while still continuing to support herself and do the job she loves. In 2012 Vicky Yorke Designs was born with Vicky initially working as a freelance designer creating products for the UK high street. Over time as her health improved, Vicky decided to follow her dream by moving to the countryside and expanding her business into product licensing. Vicky has built a design brand with her bright and whimsical designs and in 2018 her hard work was rewarded when she was named overall winner of the Really Good Design Search for Greetings & Gift as judged by leading experts in the industry from around the world! Vicky uses illustration and typography combined with striking color palettes to create work that is decorative, bright and inviting. She is often inspired by the beautiful countryside that surrounds her home with collections including vibrant florals and woodland animals, as well as patterns influenced by her travels around the UK and beyond. Every design is hand sketched or painted in her loose and fanciful style before being digitally colored to create designs that are full of 'grown-up whimsy'. She deliberately leaves in 'wonky' lines and broken textures to add character and authenticity to her work. Vicky loves to mix and match and her portfolio is full of complementary patterns that can be used on their own, or combined across a range of products to create a fresh and eclectic look.