Spotlight On: Whimsy Woods

How would you describe your business/creative practice? 

I make unusual designs and print them on clothes. They’re worth seeing though. 

 

Can you tell us the story behind why you started your business/practice and your journey so far. 

I started doing live art and illustration in Nottingham when I left Uni and dabbled in various collectives of artists. I became an intern designing and printing t-shirts with Bantum Clothing which gave me a good insight into garment production and marketing. Life got a hold of me and I got a normal job which put anything Whimsy on the back burner for many years. During lockdown days, I was given enough time to think of how to turn Whimsy Woods into a viable brand and I began sourcing long-sleeve tees with my own style of confusing tribal patterns.   

I continued to have designs printed in my spare time whilst working full time in care homes until I had enough to look like I knew what I was doing.   

After moving back to Derby, I found a t-shirt printing course online at Green door printmaking studio. Shout out to Green Door everytime! Pan and Steve were so helpful and supportive with any ideas I had regarding printing tees myself again and have allowed me access to the facilities I needed to do so.   

I became a member at Banks Mill studios shortly after this and finally have a space where I can focus all my efforts into Whimsy Woods! I failed art at A-Level, was suspended from Art Foundation at Derby College and failed my first year of uni. It’s been a struggle. 

 

You made it through University in the end though. Where did you graduate from?

Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, Visual Communication (Illustration) BA Hons 2.1 

 

What do you hope that being part of the Banks Mill community will do for your creative business/practice? Is there one thing in particular that you’re looking forward to? 

I’ve been able to collaborate with others here on projects and learn new skills which are so beneficial to producing your own clothing. It’s always healthy to surround yourself with other successful creative people that are doing so much and pushing themselves. It’s inspiring to see and keeps you on your toes to keep your level high. 

 

Do you have any other work experience/support/or training that’s relevant to what you’re doing now? 

I don’t think I do you know…  

 

What are you working on at the moment? 

Currently working on a new website. Always working on new designs and on the look out for new cuts and fabrics to print on! 

 

Tell us about your work and techniques, how long does a piece take to complete? 

I try and have my designs finished within 2 days. Any longer than that.. I’ll over think it and stare at it for weeks not knowing what to do. First day to sketch and ink the design. Second day is to scan and finish on photoshop. I hand draw everything as I am yet to get pro create. I know I should do but I feel it’s good for my soul to stick with traditional methods. 

 

How has the University of Derby supported you in your business/ creative practice so far? 

Becoming a member at Banks mill and Green Door has given me so much inspiration and faith to continue being creative. I didn’t even know if I was going to keep Whimsy Woods going with constant set backs but being able to access screen printing facilities, meeting other members here and having a studio … I’m thriving with it all these days! 

 

What are your plans for your business/practice for the next 12 months?

Planning seasonal drops with limited edition print packages to go with the garms. Hopefully I’ll be breaking into festivals in 2026 peddling pure Whimsy. 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

I think I’ve said too much already.