Tell us a wee bit about yourself.
Hi, I'm Abi, a Printmaker based in Manchester, UK running a small business called Abi Prints, where I create colourful screenprints and risograph greetings cards and wall art. All prints are limited edition and everything is signed, numbered and stamped by hand.
Abi Prints came to life in 2020, when I wanted to make tangible work to get away from the computer screen. I loved printmaking after learning a bit about it in collage and after doing a week-long course in screen printing in 2019, I knew I wanted to keep experimenting and creating more. Everything I make is printed on recycled paper and is delivered in plastic-free or biodegradable packaging, as having a low as possible impact on the environment is really important to me.
Alongside this, I also work in the animation industry, which I studied as a degree. It’s fun balancing my two passions and using skills learnt in both to make myself a better artist and generate new ideas.
What inspires you and how would you describe your style?
My work embraces a wide range of styles and influences from minimalistic vector art seen in my risograph pieces to excessive, neon-drenched, screenprinted designs. I love bright colours, so I make my prints as eye-catching as possible.
I take inspiration from everything around me, I always like to create work that feels fantastical, so I try to push the boundaries of what an object, or environment could be. Lots of my work is based on nature, as well as shape and I am always trying to push my style and develop my skills further with each piece I create.
Tell us a little about your design for Caskshare.
I designed a hot air balloon for my label artwork as I wanted to create something dreamlike and tranquil. I wanted to print this design as a risograph, like some designs I have done in the past, this is a great challenge as an artist as it limits the number of colours I can use, and as the inks mix on the page, it means I have to to find a balance and harmony with the colours so they compliment each other and create a strong look. I found a company, called duplikat press, with a big selection of colours and went for a three-colour mix of mint green, yellow and coral, to achieve this peaceful, morning colour scheme.
What’s your process for creating a piece like this?
I don’t really sketch out my designs, as I like to figure out a print as I go. So I work straight into illustrator. I always start by laying out shapes and figuring out the composition before adding too much detail. Once I am happy with this, I will start adding colour and texture, to reveal the final design. I like to figure it out as I go, so I don’t feel precious about trying to make something work if it’s not, as I feel this lets me be more creative.
What’s next for you and how can people reach you?
I mostly post what I am up to on my instagram @abi.prints
I am working on new designs all the time and have also started doing markets around the country. You can find updates on my instagram, so please come and say hi if they are local to you!