We were lucky to catch up with Amy Buckley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I left school and college where I studied art and textile design, I went on to study Printed Textile Design at the University of Leeds, this is where I learnt a lot of technical digital design skills, how to work towards a brief and where I really fell in love with making repeat printed patterns.

After graduating I ended up taking a break from being creative and in that time technology and design processes had changed a lot – hello iPads! This meant when I wanted to start creating I had to relearn a lot of skills and find my creative voice again, to help with this I used a lot of online classes, tutorials and learnt from other creatives.

Knowing what I know now, I’d have asked more questions and got involved with other creatives a lot more at the start – I still find this hard, but putting myself out there has meant I’ve learnt so much about running a business and the expectations of a creative brand.

Looking back, taking that break really took a toll on my confidence, meaning I held myself back a little at the start, as the idea of being at the beginning of learning how to run a business felt like a huge obstacle to overcome. I realised that I just had to go for it and that I’m probably going to make mistakes and this is how I will learn.

Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Amy and I run Amy Buckley Design in Yorkshire, UK. Inspired by floral imagery, I create playful designs that bring pops of colour, whimsical line drawings and pattern to homes. I sell a range of products using my illustrations and surface designs, such as greetings cards, wrapping paper, notebooks. textile pouches, digital downloads and custom illustrations.

I love being outside in nature as I think it genuinely provides us with a feeling of peace and calm, I hope to translate that through my work and pass that feeling on to my customers! Feeling a connection to nature is super important to me and a huge part of my brand values.

I began selling my product lines along side a full time job as a way to help explore my creativity. Over the years it has changed, developed, and I’m now lucky enough to say it is now my full time job!

In addition to selling my product range online and in shops, I work with brands and other small businesses to provide things like packaging and stationery designs – This is something I really love doing and hope to do more in the future.

I love building relationships and my custom illustrations are a great way for me to do this through my shop. I offer personalised custom floral illustrations that provide an everlasting bouquet of their favourite or special flowers. They’re something I’m really proud of as I know I’m able to give my customers something really sentimental and personal.

In 2023 I plan on building up my surface design portfolio, offering licensed work and building connections with more brands I love, I’m really excited to see Amy Buckley Design evolve more and more.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The resources for businesses at my local libraries. In the UK we have some great support for small businesses at our libraries, including one to one support, creative workshops and online classes.

I didn’t know about this until a few months ago, but it would have really helped me in my creative business journey if I’d have known about it earlier. I’ve learnt so much through them and have been able to network with some other lovely small businesses. Definitely check your local libraries!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Shopping small, using your independent high streets, visiting art galleries and recommending creative businesses are all really simple but important ways to support artists and creatives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amybuckleydesign.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/amybuckleydesign
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/amybuckleydesign
• Other: Shop – www.amybuckleydesign.etsy.com