Introducing: Joanne Hawker

Tell us a little bit about yourself?


My name is Joanne and I am a graduate of the University of Wales Institute Cardiff currently living in a little corner in South Somerset. I am a passionate graphic designer, illustrator, blogger and avid tea maker. I love nothing more than a good piece of design, a brew in hand and watching the little birds from my window.  I particularly enjoy working with pattern, design for print, and packaging, but to be honest I’ll have a go at everything! Recently, I have been experimenting with lino and screen-printing techniques to try and expand my portfolio and creative thinking. I have a long way to go but practice makes perfect! I am also constantly drawing elements of the natural world and being creative. It could be said that my pens are my friends! Anyone who knows me will tell you that I LOVE owls, deers, foxes or anything remotely related to British wildlife as you can see above :)

Where do you find inspiration?


Everywhere! Everywhere I look there will be something that will give me an idea even if its just something silly or small. Mostly I look to the natural world as I live out in the stick and love to watch the birds in my garden scoff down the many varieties of seed that my mother puts out for them. Even the gruelling bike ride to work can be inspiring, especially on cold autumn mornings where you can occasionally catch a glimpse of a deer jumping through the fields! I also find the creative community really inspiring. I follow many creatives on twitter, blogger and society6, which I then feature on my blog - Origami Chicken. During this process I discover many illustration styles or themes that I have not yet come across. In an instant it can spark off the next idea or style that I fancy a go at! :)

Who's your favorite artist?


This is a question that I almost always fail to answer as I have many many people whose work I admire. I suppose if you took a random stab at my book shelf or online reading list you'd find the likes of Gemma Correll, Jon Burgerman and Zeptonn. I also love the work of Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgwater and Orla Kiely. The list can go on and on forever so lets just leave it at that! If you want a daily update of whose work I'm loving check out my blog!

Where would we have seen your work before?


You may have seen my work in a couple places. I have done a lot of work for the International Bee Research Association so if your into your bees look at them! I've been on the BBC's Politics Show Wales, where myself and friend Richie Evans designed a poster for the Yes! Campaign for Wales to have the power to create their own laws. I've also been on various blogs and websites including Inkygoodness, D&AD New Blood and Design Juices.


Where would you like to be in five years time?


In 5 years time I'd like to be living in Bristol with a design job! I'd also like to have my own little greetings company where I get to make pretty pieces of giftware. So if anyone wants to give me a design job in Bristol email me! I'll love you forever and make you lots of tea! I'll bake cakes if you like :)

If you'd like to follow my work and my ramblings have a little look at these links:

• My Portfolio

• My Blog - Origami Chicken

• My Twitter

• My Society6