Hiya… I’m Kelli, an illustrator, fashion designer turned artist, and the person behind Angel Art Club.
Hiya… I’m Kelli, an illustrator, fashion designer turned artist, and the person behind Angel Art Club.
Well, come on in and see what all the craic's about! Yes, you guessed it... I’m Irish!
Whether you’re here for personalised bespoke artwork, live event illustration, wedding stationery or just having a little nosy, you’re very welcome.
Right then, let me fill you in on how I ended up here... I'll try to make a long story short...
Before Angel Art Club, I spent over twenty years working as a fashion designer, first in London and then during an amazing ten-year adventure in Sydney, Australia. Designing for a living was fast-paced and hugely creative, but to be fair, I’ve never really stopped being that little girl who loved to draw.
One of my favourite childhood memories is being off school with chicken pox around the age of nine, happily colouring away with brand new felt tip pens, while the rain battered against the windows. Growing up in Northern Ireland, I swear it rained 90% of the time! So naturally, I spent plenty of it drawing, painting and generally making a mess. Nothing has changed!
I studied Art at GCSE and A-Level before heading off to Art Foundation and then University in Newcastle, where I studied a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design and Marketing.
Fast forward a few years... I met my partner, we had our son, and before we knew it, we’d made a home for ourselves in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. The timing happened to coincide with Covid, and, like many people, I found myself slowing down and reconnecting with my paints. I started creating keepsakes for friends and family, and it reminded me just how much I loved painting something that people genuinely want to keep.
My art became a little more whimsical. I found myself turning people into playful illustrated characters, bought a fandangled printer and started creating cards to accompany my artwork. These days, I create bespoke character illustrations of people and families, alongside personalised cards and prints, with a small Etsy shop quietly ticking away in the background.
Weddings have become another passion of mine. I absolutely love creating hand-painted wedding stationery, from invitations to table plans, place names, menus and all those beautiful little finishing touches that make a wedding feel completely personal.
More recently, I’ve ventured into live event illustration, and it’s quickly become one of my favourite parts of the business. People love watching their illustration take shape... although to be fair, having an audience while I’m painting can be a little scary biscuits! But sure, there’s something pretty special about creating a little keepsake from the day... and one that hopefully makes it further than the kitchen drawer!
Whether I’m up to my elbows in watercolours or tapping away on Procreate, I like a bit of both. It all depends on what the piece needs. Usually it starts with a little idea, a paintbrush (or stylus), a cup of tea and a wee bit of hope that I’m onto something!
That’s what Angel Art Club is all about… art that stays human. In a world where AI can knock something up in seconds, I think there’s still something really important about the hand of a real person, a little bit of imperfection and knowing that someone has taken the time to make something just for you.
If you have an idea for bespoke artwork, an event, or wedding stationery, start a chat. Sure, let's see what we can come up with!
