I’m Kate Thorburn, a creative designer and illustrator with a passion for florals, hand-painted textures, and surface pattern design. Over more than a decade, I’ve designed for major retailers and gift brands, built brands from concept to production, and developed a strong commercial sense that helps products perform in busy seasonal markets. I also run my own studio as a freelance illustrator, collaborating with a range of clients and agencies, and I’m represented by the Northernillo Agency.…

Kate Thorburn

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I’m Kate Thorburn, a creative designer and illustrator with a passion for florals, hand-painted textures, and surface pattern design. Over more than a decade, I’ve designed for major retailers and gift brands, built brands from concept to production, and developed a strong commercial sense that helps products perform in busy seasonal markets. I also run my own studio as a freelance illustrator, collaborating with a range of clients and agencies, and I’m represented by the Northernillo Agency.…

Available to hire

I’m Kate Thorburn, a creative designer and illustrator with a passion for florals, hand-painted textures, and surface pattern design. Over more than a decade, I’ve designed for major retailers and gift brands, built brands from concept to production, and developed a strong commercial sense that helps products perform in busy seasonal markets. I also run my own studio as a freelance illustrator, collaborating with a range of clients and agencies, and I’m represented by the Northernillo Agency.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Designer at Papersalad Publishing
February 1, 2023 - July 13, 2023
I worked as a Senior Designer for a card publisher based in Stockport. This role involved designing, preparing files for manufacture, brochure creation, website updates, photography and styling product.
Creative Designer at UK Greetings Ltd
May 1, 2010 - February 1, 2023
I worked as a designer/illustrator for the Sainsbury's team in Private label in my final roll. The company is a leading supplier of cards and gifting to most leading retail companies in the uk. I have also worked within the brand team and gift bag and wrap team. The job role entailed designing to a brief, creating new concept work, creating styling groups and researching trends. During my 13 years at UK greetings I worked on many brand product including, Sainsbury's, Asda, Tesco, Paperchase, Clintons, House of Fraser, John Lewis as well as the companies own brands Carlton, Gibson and Camden graphics.
Assistant Design manager at Tigerprint (Hallmark cards)
July 1, 2008 - May 31, 2010
I worked as an assistant design manager for the stationery team which designed and supplied M&S. This entailed researching new trends, briefing designers, managing seasonal ranges for back to school, Christmas gifting, calendars and diaries. Working with the FE and ensuring product stayed within the CDP.
Freelance Designer/Illustrator at Kate Thorburn Illustration
July 1, 2023 - Present
Illustrator and surface pattern designer supplying artwork to a variety of companies; hand-painted and mixed media illustrations and florals; represented by Northernillo Agency; clients include Card Factory, Abacus Cards, Ling Design, Hallmark, M&S, Partisan Products Ltd.
Designer at Churchill China Ltd
August 1, 2007 - June 1, 2008
Designer creating surface patterns for mugs and dinnerware; major supplier to UK and US retailers; retailers included Asda, Sainsbury’s, House of Fraser, Woolworth’s, John Lewis, Cath Kidson.
Assistant Design Manager (Stationery) at Tigerprint Hallmark
July 1, 2008 - May 1, 2010
Assistant design manager for the stationery department; researched trends, briefed designers, managed a full product range (calendars, back-to-school, Christmas gifting); ensured budget adherence and quality control.
Store Assistant at Sainsbury’s Supermarket
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2006
Worked across multiple store departments (checkout, fresh foods, admin) with a focus on customer service and delivering a positive shopping experience.
Brand Owner and Director at What Kate Loves
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2021
Established in 2014, ceramics range manufactured in Stoke-on-Trent; sold in 100+ independent stores, garden centres, galleries in the UK and America; responsibility for product design, brand development, website traffic, marketing, sales, and logistics; range featured in national magazines and press, nominated for awards, and recognized as a ‘Talent Spot’ designer.

Education

MA ceramic design at Staffordshire University, UK
September 4, 2006 - June 10, 2007
BA 3D design (ceramics) at Loughborough University
September 1, 2001 - July 31, 2004
MA ceramic design at Staffordshire University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
BA 3D-Design (ceramics) 2.1 Degree at Loughborough University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
Art Diploma (foundation) at Batley School of Art
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2001

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Wholesale & Distribution, Manufacturing, Retail, Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other
    uniE621 Summer Vera collection for Clare Maddicott
    Beautiful collection of cards using neon inks. Inky illustrations of florals, cakes, butterflies etc. illustration greetingcards inks…
    uniE621 Christmas Collection for Card Factory
    Fun patterned icon Christmas cards for the Christmas collection christmas illustration pattern stockings bells trees crackers…
    uniE621 Best selling floral range for Card Factory
    Everyday collection of bright florals and birthday icons. illustration icons cake cocktails floral pattern…
    uniE621 Seasonal cards for Card Factory
    A selection of Valentines day and Mother's Day cards created for the seasonal collection floral illustration greetingcards…
    uniE621 Collection of Father day cards for Card Factory
    A series of painterly illustrations for Fathers day collection. Icons of gardening, sport, cafe life etc. illustration male sport gardening…
    uniE621 Everyday male range for Ling Publishing ltd.
    Range of male cards created using a collage and graphic illustration style. The range is a collection of hobbies such as football and golf etc. illustration design colourful collage fun…
    uniE621 Hallmark Pineapple Breeze gift bags and wraps
    Beautiful everyday gift bag and wrap collection based on the successful every day card range. gifting illustration pattern bag wrap…
    uniE621 A range of everyday cards 'Pineapple Breeze' for Hallmark
    Everyday cards featuring key birthday icons and mix of floral patterns..fun, fresh illustration that are celebratory. Featuring cakes balloons presents stars butterflies candles flowers patterns spring painted greetingcards design illustration illustrator…