Hi, I'm Angela, a passionate clothing designer, author and illustrator based 40 miles from London. I specialize in writing and illustrating children's picture books that focus on important topics like non-visible disabilities. My series, The Academy for Monstarz, uses relatable characters to highlight challenges faced by kids with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and more. Alongside my work as an author, I have extensive experience as a freelance designer specializing in outerwear, leisurewear and sportswear, working with international brands remotely. I enjoy blending creativity and practicality in my design projects, while also dedicating time to inspiring young readers through my books.…

Angela Martin

Hi, I'm Angela, a passionate clothing designer, author and illustrator based 40 miles from London. I specialize in writing and illustrating children's picture books that focus on important topics like non-visible disabilities. My series, The Academy for Monstarz, uses relatable characters to highlight challenges faced by kids with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and more. Alongside my work as an author, I have extensive experience as a freelance designer specializing in outerwear, leisurewear and sportswear, working with international brands remotely. I enjoy blending creativity and practicality in my design projects, while also dedicating time to inspiring young readers through my books.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Angela, a passionate clothing designer, author and illustrator based 40 miles from London. I specialize in writing and illustrating children’s picture books that focus on important topics like non-visible disabilities. My series, The Academy for Monstarz, uses relatable characters to highlight challenges faced by kids with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and more.

Alongside my work as an author, I have extensive experience as a freelance designer specializing in outerwear, leisurewear and sportswear, working with international brands remotely. I enjoy blending creativity and practicality in my design projects, while also dedicating time to inspiring young readers through my books.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Author and Illustrator at The Academy For Monstars
January 1, 2023 - Present
Written and illustrated 3 picture books for a series called The Academy for Monstarz. The books focus on non-visible disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Tourettes, OCD, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia using relatable characters. Worked on project from January 2023 to present.
Author and Illustrator at The Academy For Monstarz, Bucks, England
January 1, 2023 - Present
Written and illustrated 3 picture books for a series called The Academy for Monstarz. The books highlight traits of non-visible disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Tourettes, OCD, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia using relatable Monstarz characters facing daily challenges.
Freelance Outerwear and Sportswear Designer at Fiverr
January 1, 2020 - Present
Part-time remote freelance designer working on Fiverr marketplace creating casual, fashion, lifestyle, technical outerwear, leisure and sportswear. Duties include promoting services, conducting trends and competitor research, moodboards creation, uploading detailed technical drawings and tech packs. Clients include US outdoor brand OTTR and UK brand Colter & Roe.
Freelance Outerwear and Sportswear Designer at Fiverr, Bucks, England
January 1, 2020 - Present
Working part-time remotely, designing casual, fashion, lifestyle, technical outerwear, leisure and sportswear. Administer gigs promoting services and skills, supply customers with trend and competitor research, moodboards, clothing silhouettes, colors and trims. Upload detailed working drawings, colorways, and finished tech packs. Clients include US Outdoor brand OTTR and UK Circular Sportswear brand Colter & Roe.
Ladies Outerwear Designer at A and F Sourcing Ltd
November 30, 2019 - July 10, 2025
Designed A/W 2019 ladies outerwear collections for multiple retailers such as Debenhams, Wallis, Dunnes, Bon Marche, Guess and Yours Clothing. Responsibilities included trend research, translating catwalk styles into high street jackets, creating moodboards and Illustrator drawings, liaising with buyers, fit and sample discussions, and technical specifications for production.
Ladies Outerwear Designer at A and F Sourcing Ltd, London, England
November 30, 2019 - July 10, 2025
Designed Autumn/Winter 2019 outerwear for multiple retailers including Debenhams, Wallis, Dunnes, Bon Marche, Guess and Yours Clothing. Responsibilities included researching and identifying style trends, translating catwalk into high-street styles, creating moodboards and detailed Illustrator drawings, liaising with buyers, attending sample discussions, producing design and production tech specs, and coordinating with factories for samples and lab dips.
Owner/Graphic Designer/Web Designer at Gelifash
September 30, 2018 - July 10, 2025
Part-time owner managing a garment printing business producing customized prints for sports clubs, schools, businesses, and event teams.
Owner/Graphic Designer/Web Designer at GELIFASH, Aylesbury, Bucks, England
September 30, 2018 - July 10, 2025
Operated a garment printing business specializing in customized apparel for sports clubs, schools, nurseries, businesses, team events, stag and hen dos.
Ladies Outerwear Designer (freelance) at Citrus Box
June 30, 2018 - July 10, 2025
Designed A/W and S/S ranges of padded, quilted, parka, trench coats and showerproof jackets for markets in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Conducted trend research and used Illustrator and Photoshop for range designs.
Ladies Outerwear Designer at CITRUS BOX, Bucks, England (Freelance)
June 30, 2018 - July 10, 2025
Designed two Autumn/Winter and two Spring/Summer ladies outerwear ranges consisting of padded/quilted, parka, trench coats and showerproof jackets for retailers in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Conducted trend research, design prediction, and developed ranges using Illustrator and Photoshop.
Senior Designer/Developer at Blue Associates
September 30, 2009 - July 10, 2025
Designed casual outerwear and lifestyle collections for brands like Barbour, Weird Fish, Hactac, Chukka, Whitestuff, Topshop, Primark, Tog 24, Tesco. Responsible for marketing and design research, fabric sourcing, creating working drawings, tech packs, sample inspections, quality control and coordination with offshore suppliers.
Senior Designer/Developer at BLUE ASSOCIATES, Tring, Herts, England
September 30, 2009 - July 10, 2025
Responsible for casual outerwear design for various brands including Barbour, Weird Fish, and others. Tasks involved marketing and design research, sourcing fabrics and trims, producing detailed Illustrator drawings, creating tech packs, arranging lab dips, sample control, quality control, cost recording, and liaison with customers and offshore suppliers.
Senior Designer at Animal
September 30, 2004 - July 10, 2025
Designed technical snowboarding apparel for Autumn/Winter 2005/6. Involved market research, supplier meetings in Hong Kong, and production of detailed design packs using Illustrator.
Senior Designer at ANIMAL, Poole, Dorset, England
September 30, 2004 - July 10, 2025
Designed technical snowboarding apparel for Autumn/Winter 2005/6, conducted trips to suppliers in Hong Kong for market research and production discussions, and developed design packs with detailed drawings and fabric swatches.
Designer/Developer/Technologist at KarrimorBIKE, Raw Experience
March 31, 2004 - July 10, 2025
Worked on mountain bike apparel design, researching trends, fabrics and manufacturers, visiting trade shows, conducting supplier meetings in Hong Kong.
Design/Developer/Technologist at KarrimorBIKE, Raw Experience, Edinburgh, Scotland
March 31, 2004 - July 10, 2025
Developed mountain bike apparel; conducted market and technical research, sourcing materials, pricing, and liaising with suppliers and factories. Participated in trade shows and supplier meetings for product development.
Designer/Developer/Technologist at ENDURA Ltd
October 31, 2003 - July 10, 2025
Designed and developed technical snowboard and mountain bike apparel, sourcing fabrics, managing sample development and production tech packs, liaising with suppliers, pattern cutting and product testing.
Designer/Developer/Technologist at ENDURA Ltd, Livingston, Scotland
October 31, 2003 - July 10, 2025
Designed and developed snowboard and mountain bike technical apparel including jackets, fleeces, pants, accessories, and more. Managed marketing and design research, sourcing technical fabrics, creating color palettes and lab dips, managing production tech packs, offshore supplier communication, and sample approval. Responsible for in-house pattern cutting, sample machining, product testing, and fit meetings.
Designer and Manufacturer at Loophole Boutique
March 31, 1996 - July 10, 2025
Created ladies streetwear garments for a fashion-conscious market including sourcing fabrics, pattern cutting, production machining and quality maintenance.
Designer and Manufacturer of Streetwear at LOOPHOLE BOUTIQUE, Edinburgh
March 31, 1996 - July 10, 2025
Supplied a range of ladies garments for a fashion-conscious market, including sourcing fabrics, pattern cutting, production machining, and specification maintenance.
Designer at Trespass
December 31, 1993 - July 10, 2025
Designed skiwear, outerwear and leisurewear, producing tech packs, sourcing fabrics, labels and accessories, product development and amendments liaising with Far East factories.
Designer at TRESPASS, Glasgow, Scotland
December 31, 1993 - July 10, 2025
Designed and produced tech packs for skiwear, outerwear, and leisurewear garments. Involved in sourcing fabrics, designing labels, embroideries, swing tickets, product development with factories, and inspection of amendments.

Education

BSc Clothing Degree at The Scottish College of Textiles, Galashiels
September 1, 1989 - July 31, 1993
BSc Clothing Degree at The Scottish College of Textiles, Galashiels
September 1, 1989 - July 31, 1993
Secondary Education at George Watsons College, Edinburgh
August 1, 1983 - July 31, 1989

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Education, Other
    Womens PU Jackets
    These 2 styles were part of a range I designed for Topshop AW25…
    OTTR Mens Outerwear
    Design the following with a tech pack for each: Softshell jacket, hybrid puffer jacket, lightweight waterproof jacket, half zip mid layer and hoody T illustrator…
    Colter & Roe Sportswear
    Design the following with a tech pack for each: Waterproof jacket, commuter jacket, shorts, shirt, polo, vest, joggers, swim shorts and T illustrator…
    The Academy For Monstarz picture books
    written and illustrated 3 picture books for a series of books called The Academy for Monstarz. They are based on Non Visible Disabilities highlighting the traits of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Tourettes, OCD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. I am using very relatable Monstarz who attend The Academy for Monstarz and have daily challenges to face. https://www.twine.net/signin illustrator designer graphicdesigner…
    Monstar Senzo
    Monstar Senzo is a young monster who shows signs of Autism. The book explains what senses you have along with a picture of each. He goes to the Academy for Monstarz along with other young monstarz who have non visible disabilities. He experiences difficulties with his sensitive ears from a fire alarm going off at school, loud music, a balloon popping and a loud hand dryer in the toilets at a disco. When the sun shines brightly he needs to wear sunglasses and if he falls or bangs himself it is extra sore for him. Problems with communication are another trait of Autism so Monstar Senzo doesn’t chat away, is quite shy and finds it hard to make eye contact. From Autism awareness and acceptance all around him such as his teacher, peers and parents Monstar Senzo can manage these difficulties in his everyday life.…
    Technical Snowboard jacket
    Designed a waterproof/breathable snowboard jacket and supplied a tech pack for a factory illustrator…
    Monstar Restlez picture book
    Monstar Restlez is a young monster who shows signs of ADHD He goes to the Academy for Monstarz along with other young monstarz who have non visible disabilities. The traits he shows include restlessness, excess energy, inability to focus for long, complete tasks, follow instructions, queuing and Anxiety. With brightly coloured graphical pages the reader can visualize all the sports and activities he loves. He finds it hard sitting in a classroom listening to lessons all day, forgets to bring required stuff to school, has problems , taking turns, minding others, keeping calm and sleeping ​​​​​​​From ADHD awareness and acceptance all around him such as his teacher, peers and parents Monstar Restlez can manage these difficulties in his everyday life.…
    Monstar Fretz picture book
    Monstar Fretz is a young monstar who shows signs of Anxiety She goes to the Academy for Monstarz along with other young monstarz who have non visible disabilities. When she is anxious she presents herself as nervous, irritable, snappy, withdrawn and argumentative. She worries about friendships, schoolwork, commuting to school and her mum to name afew. This can make her unable to concentrate on schoolwork, she can lose her appetite, stutter, find it hard to fall asleep, be tearful and be prone to tummy and headaches. With brightly coloured graphical pages the reader can visualize all the worries she has and what methods she uses to cope with her anxieties From Anxiety awareness and acceptance all around her such as her teacher, peers and mum Monstar Fretz can manage these worries in her everyday life.…
    The Academy For Monstarz

    I have written and illustrated 3 picture books for a series of books called The Academy for Monstarz. They are based on Non Visible Disabilities highlighting the traits of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Tourettes, OCD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. I am using very relatable Monstarz who attend The Academy for Monstarz and have daily challenges to face.

    https://www.twine.net/signin