Behind the Scenes: Meet Illustrator, Ryn Frank

This autumn we launched our first ever Nursery Collection featuring an exclusive collaboration with renowned illustrator, Ryn Frank. Our thoughtfully designed nursery accessories are adorned with Ryn’s whimsical woodland flora and fauna set against a neutral backdrop; they’re ideal for parents who want a timeless, subtle look for their child’s room.

As a small, independent brand we were over the moon to have the chance to collaborate with Ryn, who has previously worked with big brands like Waitrose, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Anthropologie, and Penguin publishing.

Now our Woodland Animals Collection is live, we couldn’t wait to ask Ryn more about how her charming illustrations came to life, as well as find out more about the artist herself.

COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT INTO DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION?

I’ve always loved drawing. From a young age I would spend hours drawing in the garden. My mother has always been an inspiration to me, she ran her own graphic design studio and produces the most amazing linocuts inspired by nature. Our family home was always full of beautiful pieces of art and incredible books. As a family we spent weekends out walking in the Cotswolds and always visited local art galleries and events. At school art was my favourite subject, I initially started out with fine art before exploring illustration. I always knew art was what I wanted to follow in life and after studying Illustration at Falmouth University this led to my career as an illustrator.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I would describe my style as whimsical.

COULD YOU EXPLAIN A BIT ABOUT HOW THE WOODLAND ANIMALS ILLUSTRATIONS WERE CREATED? WHAT INSPIRED YOU? WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU USE?

I love nature and spotting wildlife, this collection of woodland animal illustrations were inspired by walks in my local woods and watching the wildlife in my garden. The illustrations were hand drawn into my sketchbook using a fine line ink pen.

WHICH ELEMENT/CHARACTER FROM THE WOODLAND ANIMALS DESIGN IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

I would have to say the squirrel is my favourite. It reminds me of the squirrel that comes into my garden everyday to bury nuts.

AND FINALLY, A QUESTION WE ASK ALL OUR LOVELY GUESTS ON THE BLOG, WHAT MAKES A HAPPY HOME FOR YOU?

A happy home for me is full of laughter, gatherings with friends and family, drinking tea, cooking by the Aga, evenings by the fire and pottering in the garden.

Fallen in love with Ryn's illustrations? Have a scroll through our Woodland Animals Collection here.