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My Blog
Welcome to my blog, where I chat about maps, art, nature and sustainability. I'll give you the stories behind the art, 'how to's and interviews, both with other artists and the authors I work with. Do you have something to say and would like to be a guest author on my blog? Let me know below!
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Nov 6, 2024
Vintage Map Art Prints
A quick look at my inspiration as an illustrated map specialist; and new antique map art prints!
Oct 16, 2024
New Packaging for my Art Products
Over the last few weeks I've described the ins and outs of deciding on, creating, designing and printing new packaging for my art products .
Oct 9, 2024
Creating A New Design: The Stages of Design
In the last blog I talked you through my process for finding and costing custom printed wrapping paper, this time I want to talk you through
Oct 2, 2024
Designing Wrapping Paper Products
I'm designing wrapping paper for my business; come with me on the journey and see the stages of creating a new product with my art.
Sep 4, 2024
Putting Your Art On Products
In the last seven years I've put my art on so many products it's unreal: bone china mugs, organic cotton tote bags, recycled paper letter...
Aug 27, 2024
An Artist's Authenticity
I want to be authentic. But in a world where very little is, and you have to play by the rules to be seen (hint: the rules feel very...
May 8, 2024
5 Ways to Display Your Posters
Inspiration for hanging your posters in your home: 5 ways to display your posters
May 3, 2024
New Kids (Posters) on the Block
The story behind my new kid's animal posters: The Monochrome Menagerie series, chatting about inspiration for both drawing and product
Apr 26, 2024
Map of the Month: The Ranulph Fiennes Maps
Back in 2022, I created a series of maps for Ranulph Fiennes' book Climb Your Mountain. Here, I chat about the story behind the maps and how
Apr 19, 2024
Feature Friday: The Carta Marina
Looking at they 1539 map The Carta Marina and how it has influenced my style as a map illustrator
Apr 17, 2024
How To Draw an Illustrated Map Part 8: Border Details
Draw your own illustrated map with me! This week we focus on creating the border
Apr 11, 2024
5 Ideas for Custom Art Gifts
Shop small for the most unique gifts with these 5 ideas for unique custom art gifts from illustrator Nicola Howell Hawley!
Apr 10, 2024
Sustainable Packaging: How To Minimise Waste When Packaging Products
How I minimise my waste when packaging products, including links to the websites I use for my sustainable packaging and printing.
Apr 4, 2024
Future Products: New Kids' Poster Wall Art
What's new for Howell Illustration in 2024? New Kids' posters and punny greetings cards! Check them out now!
Apr 3, 2024
Finding Your Illustrative Style: 5 Illustrated Maps to look at for inspiration
Five beautiful illustrated maps to help you find your map drawing style. Contents Intro Historical Maps : The Carta Marina (1539) Hand...
Mar 29, 2024
Creating a Custom Map for The Winter List
Every month I highlight a map I've illustrated and give you the story behind it. This month, it's the turn of this deceptively simple map...
Mar 27, 2024
How To Frame Your Art at Home
Do you sit with your art at home, unframed and unhung for years and years? Yeah, I've been there, but now this post is here to help you!...
Mar 22, 2024
An Interview with S.G. MacLean for Feature Friday: The story behind The Bookseller of Inverness
I'm so pleased to bring you this wonderful interview with author S.G. MacLean on the story behind her novel The Bookseller of Inverness...
Mar 15, 2024
Artist Recommendations: My Favourite Artists, Part 2!
A short while ago I wrote about my top 5 favourite artists working today, but once I got going, I found I had way more than 5! So here is...
Mar 13, 2024
How To Make Your Own Font Quickly
Creating your own font takes a lot of work, but there is a quick way to do it. I'm going to show you how. Though, if you're wanting to...
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