Abigail Burch is an illustrator, designer and scribe based in South East London. She is inspired by things that make you smile, the hand drawn and the cute. Working in pen and ink and refining it digitally, her work retains a hand-drawn charm and expressiveness.
What course did you study at UAL?
MA Illustration – I’m actually still studying it and due to finish this summer!
What’s your fondest memory from your time at UAL?
I took part in Pulse trade show last year, as part of the emerging designers stand that UAL has there which was an incredible experience. I met so many creative, inspiring ex UAL students and learned so much.
How did your company come about?
I wanted to produce that work that was purely driven by me, rather than commission-based. Getting my illustrations printed onto cards, bags and as prints seemed like a great way to go about this. It’s hard being a freelance illustrator so it was a way for me to try and build my brand and create another income channel – you can never rely on just one.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by beautiful photos, images and colours, but also random things that I’ll see out and about such as a word spelled wrong, or something weird I read about. As lots of my drawings are based on animals, going to places such as the Natural History Museum or looking at Taxidermy books always helps to fuel new characters.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
I have a series of hairy ladies in swimsuits which have been really popular. That came about from seeing a lot of women on Instagram embracing their hairy arm pits and legs and this general attitude towards embracing women at their most natural.
What purchase have you currently got your eye on?
I have a slight earring addiction, they’re the one piece of jewellery I remember to put on in the morning. I’m currently trying to resist buying all of A Weathered Penny’s pieces.
What advice would you give current students hoping to start their own business?
It will never be the right time and if you think about it too much you just won’t do it…so just start. I mean be a little bit realistic, you can start small, but don’t wait for everything to align perfectly because you’ll be waiting forever!