Storytelling Illustration & Surface Pattern Design
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by Heidi Vilkman

I am a UK based illustrator and surface pattern designer, specialising in visual storytelling, to help artisan brands stand out from their competitors with designs that feel authentic and soulful. I create hand drawn illustrations and pattern collections rooted in nature, heritage and folklore. My bespoke work is suited to brands, who want to express their unique vision, without following trends. If you’d like to explore working together, or to see my portfolio, please get in touch.
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Contact me with your query
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My Design Principle

Whether the outcome is a pattern collection, signature illustration, or visual identity system, my approach is always the same: I begin with your story. Your story translates the design.

I create my work using Roots to Bloom™ methodology - a process rooted in research that uncovers the bones of your brand, what values it embraces, and what makes it distinctly yours. My design language is expressively hand-crafted, 'intentionally maximalist', designed to create meaningful visual connections rather than follow trends.

My DESIGN SERVICES

Hi, I am Heidi (on the roof of my hand-built cottage)!

I'm a designer, who finds endless inspiration in the natural world - I express this love through my story-led and expressive hand drawn designs.

Nothing makes me happier than helping artisan and heritage brands stand out from their competitors with timeless, soulful patterns and illustrations. I care deeply about the environment and work with companies to whom sustainability is an intrinsic value, not an afterthought.

You can see how approach my design work on my blog post about being a surface pattern designer.

For commissions or collaborations, please reach out with details about your project.

more about me

Heidi Vilkman on the roof of a natural cottage she built in Finland

Testimonials

What my clients say

"Heidi Vilkman is a brilliant combination of creative magic and professional precision. She worked quickly and imaginatively to meet the design brief, hit every deadline, delivered on budget and the outcome exceeded expectation. A rare thing indeed to have the full creative package and she was an absolute delight to collaborate with. Will definitely be working with her again and again. "

Helen Meller, Director - Arvon Lumb Bank

“We needed attractive designs within the brand style to put a collection together. Heidi has a charming and beautiful style that can enhance your brand look. She is professional and creative and can deliver to your requirements quickly."

Manager of Modern Clothing Brand, Singapore

“Heidi created designs that felt thoughtful, and perfectly suited to our children’s brand. She understood the brief quickly, communicated clearly throughout, and delivered everything on time. We were really happy with the result.”

Chris Duke - Kiddywinks

“Our business was just launching and we needed an illustrator for our tableware project. Heidi is a talented illustrator that was able to understand my vision quickly. I loved the final designs: the aesthetic, detail and colours were just what I was hoping for. Her beautiful sketches really sold me."

A Gilet - London

"I collaborated with Heidi on the design of two tea sets for our licensed merchandise. From start to finish, she was professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Her creativity and attention to detail brought my two design briefs to life, and she delivered the final designs on time and within the agreed budget.
I am very happy with the results and would work with her again on future projects."

S. Nixon, President of Luxury Product Brand

Galleries

Portfolio of work

A selection of my illustrations and patterns, which always start as hand drawn pencil sketches which I refine further with watercolour paints, ink markers or by colouring digitally. To request access to my entire portfolio (trade only), please connect through my portfolio page or email me at: info@heidivilkman.com