me in a nutshell
My brain is always ticking! A love of children's book illustration, animals and storytelling are central to my work. I stoke this fire with lots of time in forests, up hills, curled up on the sofa reading a book, or watching TV programmes and films that no one else in my household enjoys.
my background and experience
I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in Three Dimensional Design. After 10 years of working in business development and arts marketing, and a secondary degree level qualification with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Helen Russell Creations was launched at the British Craft Trade Fair in April 2011.
Since then my business has taken many twists and turns as society and the economic climate have changed. Luckily I enjoy the challenge of having to adapt and relish shaking things up a bit! I’m so lucky to wake up in the morning excited about what the day will bring. Having your own creative business is hard work, but very, very rewarding.
My artwork is often centred around birds and animals, my imaginings of what they get up to in their spare time and winter clothing (must be due to living in the slightly damp and chilly Pennines). These days I tend to focus on surface pattern and illustrative pieces using a combination of traditional and digital mediums, but the kiln is calling and I suspect small batches of ceramic sculptures are also going to start reappearing over the next few years!
Outside of my design work, I have been helping people launch and grow their businesses for over 20 years. Business development has been carried out in various guises over the years but most recently just off the cuff with people I have met at art shows etc. I really love this kind of work! I am passionate about the creative industries and get such joy out of helping other people. As a result I have decided to make this role 'official' and I'm now offering a concise range of affordable business support packages aimed at people like me.
That's me in a nutshell! I hope you enjoy browsing my work, or find what you need in way of business support, and that it all brings a little smile to your face and joy to your heart. Thanks for visiting x