About

Hello! I’m Jess.

A Fife based freelance illustrator and origami tutor, self proclaimed paper lover and cake enthusiast. I’m the creative sitting at The Ricketty Desk.

I illustrate at events and conferences, regenerate text-heavy documents, and design infographic material. My work can be found in magazines, advertising, websites, products, novels and children’s books.

My focus is on bringing ideas to life and making information digestible, accessible, and interesting. People remember the wonder of storybooks when they see my designs and the ease of learning from. Businesses, organisations and authors come to me when they want to connect with thier audiences in a way thats inviting and personable.

My designs are traditionally created by hand with ink and paper. These are then photographed and layered into composites using software on my computer. Each sketch is usually created from a minimum of 6 individual drawings. I take inspiration from vintage children’s tales, pattern and classic typography and as a reflection of this my style is playful and fun. I’m a great fan of sketchy line and I like to keep that not so perfect look, (just like real life!) in my work.

I regularly teach origami classes in museums, libraries, schools and community spaces to all ages and abilities across Scotland. You can learn more about my classes here.

If you’d like to collaborate on a project or commission an illustration, drop me an email: the_ricketty_desk@hotmail.co.uk