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I'm Sue Ballard Leigh, a surface pattern designer and artist based in the UK. I create by hand, refine digitally, and supply commercial collections in florals, abstracts, animals and beyond — alongside bespoke gift ware for a small number of customers. My background spans batik for African markets and UK bedding / soft furnishings (including Dorma-linked work). I also founded a British-made gift ware brand with international stockists (House of Ballard). I now focus on licensing-ready collections and gallery work — expressive, commercial, and production-ready.…I'm Sue Ballard Leigh, a surface pattern designer and artist based in the UK. I create by hand, refine digitally, and supply commercial collections in florals, abstracts, animals and beyond — alongside bespoke gift ware for a small number of customers. My background spans batik for African markets and UK bedding / soft furnishings (including Dorma-linked work). I also founded a British-made gift ware brand with international stockists (House of Ballard). I now focus on licensing-ready collections and gallery work — expressive, commercial, and production-ready.

Sue Ballard

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I'm Sue Ballard Leigh, a surface pattern designer and artist based in the UK. I create by hand, refine digitally, and supply commercial collections in florals, abstracts, animals and beyond — alongside bespoke gift ware for a small number of customers. My background spans batik for African markets and UK bedding / soft furnishings (including Dorma-linked work). I also founded a British-made gift ware brand with international stockists (House of Ballard). I now focus on licensing-ready collections and gallery work — expressive, commercial, and production-ready.…I'm Sue Ballard Leigh, a surface pattern designer and artist based in the UK. I create by hand, refine digitally, and supply commercial collections in florals, abstracts, animals and beyond — alongside bespoke gift ware for a small number of customers. My background spans batik for African markets and UK bedding / soft furnishings (including Dorma-linked work). I also founded a British-made gift ware brand with international stockists (House of Ballard). I now focus on licensing-ready collections and gallery work — expressive, commercial, and production-ready.

Available to hire

I’m Sue Ballard Leigh, a surface pattern designer and artist based in the UK. I create by hand, refine digitally, and supply commercial collections in florals, abstracts, animals and beyond — alongside bespoke gift ware for a small number of customers.
My background spans batik for African markets and UK bedding / soft furnishings (including Dorma-linked work). I also founded a British-made gift ware brand with international stockists (House of Ballard). I now focus on licensing-ready collections and gallery work — expressive, commercial, and production-ready.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Designer & Artist (Surface Pattern Designer & Artist) at Independent

January 1, 2023 - November 4, 2025

I create by hand, refine digitally, and supply commercial collections in florals, abstract, animals and beyond — alongside bespoke gift ware for a small number of customers.

Founder at House of Ballard

January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024

Founder — House of Ballard, British-made Gift ware Brand sold in 100+ independent shops nationwide, including BAMZ and Falkland Islands Company, plus a King’s Coronation commemorative range that sold out. Oversourcing, quality and margins before transition into licensing due to rising UK production costs.

Freelance Designer & Range Developer

January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017

Sold designs independently; developed coordinated ranges (including Freemans). Short creative side steps (interior design training; property development) that strengthened spatial, colour and product instincts.

Design Manager at Osman (linked with Dorma)

January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1994

Led home-textile design in partnership with the Design and Sales Directors; collaborated with print manufacturers to meet retailer standards.

Designer at Vanton (Bedding & Home)

January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1992

Created bedding collections and coordinated ranges for major UK retailers (M&S, BHS, Habitat).

Designer at Rectella (Soft Furnishings)

January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1990

Developed soft-furnishing ranges and colour palettes, ready for manufacture and retail sign-off.

Designer at Brunschweiler (African Market)

January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1988

Created batik designs for African markets, informed by field research and client visits across West & Central Africa.