Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
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Lisa Maltby is an illustrator, graphic designer, typographer, lettering artist and art director. This blog is where Lisa post about all things creative; from my latest food illustrations, design work and hand lettering doodles, to articles about freelancing and creativity.
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
1M ago
When contemplating my career choices, a creative profession often appeared as a realm exclusive to the privileged few – individuals armed with financial safety nets from their parents, insider insights and connections to influential figures in creative studios, galleries, and the world of expensive art supplies.
In my early years, the creative sector felt distant and unfamiliar; gallery visits were non-existent, and encounters with professional artists, illustrators, or designers were unheard of. I didn't resonate with the creatives depicted in books either. After receiving a copy of The Story ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
2M ago
For the past year I volunteered as a mentor for a young person with a charity called Arts Emergency. Arts Emergency is a charity that helps to give young people a fair start in the creative industry and one that I have supported through my work where I can. Helping a young person find direction was both rewarding and challenging so I thought I’d write ten things I learned from the experience.
I learned that listening to someone means you take what they say seriously and allows space to work out solutions together. This is far more effective than telling someone what you think they should do ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
1y ago
Cocktail illustrations have become something of a specialism for me over the past few years, working on commissions for companies such as Revolución de Cuba, Virgin Atlantic, Weight Watchers and, of course, my own ‘Glorious Book of Curious Cocktails.’ I love these commissions because they involve an element of playfulness and story-telling, so when another enquiry landed in my inbox it was welcomed with enthusiasm and a curiosity for new recipes.
On this occasion the commission was to illustrate cocktails for Softiron – a tech company that wanted to create a very unique employee handboo ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
1y ago
The food and drink industry is a competitive one – with so many products available on our shelves, at markets and online, we are spoilt for choice. So how can food illustration help to market small food businesses more effectively?
The challenge is, branding food companies is an expensive business because this comprises of far more thought than just a logo to stick on your food labels – strategy and art direction are key in creating a brand that has longevity and consider all outputs, from social media to web design. Everything should look and feel consistent. With this being a big investment ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
2y ago
I often get emails from students asking for answers to questions about my work and processes for their assignments. To save time answering the same questions, I have compiled a list of those frequently asked in order to help with your projects. If there are any questions you feel are missing, feel free to drop them in the comments below and I will add my answer. Thanks so much for your interest in my work.
Please could you describe your creative process. What are the major steps you take when completing a design or project?
My projects often incorporate art direction and design so the initial ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
2y ago
Can I just say how great it has been working with you the past few months? You have been brilliant and I will be recommending you all over the place! You have been so easy to communicate with and so helpful.
— Victoria Dawes Learning Officer Museums, Arts and Heritage, Clifton Park MuseumYou might find the following information helpful in order to get the best out of a commission, especially if you’ve not commissioned an illustrator before. Before I start
I’ll need you to email your project specifications (a brief*) and your budget, if known. I will need a very short brief before discu ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
2y ago
Scrolling through my instagram one morning I came across the above quote. My mind started to wander about the ways I have failed to be consistent… I have not consistently promoted my work, stuck to a ‘niche’ or posted sufficient instagram reels to make me a content-creating legend. I have not consistently taken my vitamins, gone to the gym, or…erm….written blog posts.
2021 didn’t exactly bring with it as much of a reprieve from 2020 as I’d hoped. I started the year feeling hopeful and determined to implement small habits that would make me more successful, happier, kinder, oozing with love and ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
2y ago
Photo by Dima Pechurin
Getting your foot into the creative industry has always been a challenge, but with the added difficulties of the pandemic this has left many feeling isolated and lacking support. It can also be hard to find exactly the right help, especially as creative work is so variable and there is no one set path to success (sigh!). Though times may feel a little uncertain, there is help available – you just have to know where to look. To save you hours trawling the internet for opportunities and guidance, I’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a list of links, tips and useful res ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
3y ago
Have you ever felt frustrated that you can’t charge what you want to charge for your work? Or even that you can’t seem to charge what would simply make your work sustainable? Perhaps you’ve been stuck in a rut of undercharging and you don’t know how to get out of it, or maybe you’re disheartened comparing yourself to other artists’ fees and wondering how the hell they can command such high rates. Well, you’re not alone.
On top of the difficulties illustrators face earning a living, the pandemic has brought with it an increase in requests for low paid work, either from people starting companie ..read more
Lisa Maltby: Illustrator, Typographer & Lettering Artist
3y ago
Some projects involve working for a flat day rate and others are priced according to commercial use of the work. This can present some ambiguity around why jobs are priced differently and who owns the rights to the work created. It’s always important to be clear on terms and fees at the start of the project, but more detailed clarity is sometimes needed to ensure both clients and illustrators feel they are getting a fair deal. In order to help, I wanted to write this post so that it’s easier for both parties to come to an agreement on the right terms and fees for each project and to gain bette ..read more