Freelance illustrator and surface designer, creating intricate and whimsical pencil designs in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire.
A 2010 illustration graduate from Norwich University of the Arts, I create work for people who seek the beautiful and elaborate side of design, who believe that craftsmanship and traditional illustration methods are not dead. Working in fine 0.3mm mechanical pencil to craft my illustrations, I also use Photoshop, Illustrator and ProCreate to help add colour, form and structure to my work.
Avid list keeper, meditator, hiker, amateur photographer and Bruce Springsteen fan, I find inspiration in the beauty of everyday life that I work to capture in my designs.
I want to help bring your most ambitious ideas to life through the power of the pencil, and If you're feeling inspired to start some illustrative magic together then drop me a line and let’s see what we can create.
Want to see more? Take a read of my blog, and if you want to be kept up to date with new posts, new work and new opportunities feel free to subscribe to my newsletter.
Press
Testimonials
"I couldn't recommend Deborah enough. Her illustrations are so intricate and considered. Not only has she created a truly stunning and unique logo for our brand, but she has also created complementary illustrations for our packaging and website - we are constantly inundated with compliments from happy customers about our beautiful gift boxes. Deborah has helped bring our brand to life and we couldn't be happier."
- Rebecca Donegan, Isla & Fraser Ltd
"When I sought a logo designer, I hoped for someone who could translate my brand vision into art. Deborah did that and more. Her talent lies not just in her brilliant illustrations, but in her ability to enhance a brand story. She's more than an illustrator; she's a brand storyteller. Deborah created a logo I'm immensely proud of. For brilliance in design and a seamless experience, Deborah is unrivalled. Thank you for making my brand come alive.."
- Nichola Williams, Berries and Butterflies
“Deborah just gets it! She understands and elevates my initial thoughts and ideas, always delivering creative and conceptual illustrations which add some much weight to my branding projects.”
- Pamela Holmes, Page + Looker
“A beautifully illustrated animation inspired by the tale of Captain Ahab chasing the legendary whale, Moby Dick.” - DepicT! Film Festival 2015
"With the set of very rough scribbles and a first layout of the film, I approached Deborah, hoping that she can not only redraw all the elements I had used for the animatic, but also generate the whole atmosphere and feeling of different shots. And that's what she did; breathing life into the film and adding a fascinating density and depth to this little story. Even though we were based in different countries, every step during our production took place in a relaxed, but very professional and straightforward atmosphere. Together we created a wonderful film that made it into festivals all over the world and also won a few awards." - Henning Lederer, Animator
"Deborah Panesar has been a true pleasure to work with. I am very glad I contacted her when I decided to start a production of printed summer shirts – though the match was not obvious. The shirts should display local motives from the island of Bornholm in the baltic sea. And Deborah Panesar was based in the UK. But her artistic skills and knowledge about pattern making for clothes convinced me she was right for the task. And she was.
I provided her with photographs, descriptions and old tourist brochures from Bornholm and she distilled the tropes into an expression that has the ability soften the hearts of local islanders who grew up with them. In the process I had concerns with some details and Deborah Panesar was fast to make the changes I was looking for." - Niels Ebdrup, shirt manufacturer, Denmark
I would thoroughly recommend Deborah as I’m extremely happy with the work she’s produced for my website. It was a pleasure to collaborate with her and I felt she quickly attuned to me and what my business is about, and she really sensed what would represent my brand with her use of visuals and words to describe it. This gave me confidence right from the start. I felt there were just the right amount of touch points to review progress and gather my feedback/ideas; and then quickly produced options each time to move forward. It was a great approach, easily adapting and being flexible, and I felt reassured to be consulted along the way. In my experience, Deborah is clearly very talented and creative, and had great experience in the area I’m in, including knowing what works well and what wouldn’t. She listened to my requirements and preferences and absolutely hit the mark. I also felt she went over and above to help me, by offering her advice and experience regarding some tasks outside of the illustrations. To summarise, Deborah was able to beautifully transform my vague ideas into something I’m really proud to have on my site. Thanks Deborah! - Laura Ball, RTT Therapist
Publications
UK Enterprise Awards 2022, SME News
The Pattern Book by Carolina Amell (Monsa Publications)
Absolutely Magazines, London
Draw it, Print it, Ink it by Pepper Baldwin
Interviews
20 Creatives Doing Cool Stuff on Instagram - Blog feature by Printed.com
#InspirationPrinted - Sustainable Stationery interview on Printed.com
Awards
August 2022 - Freelance Illustrator and Designer of the year (East Midlands), UK
August 2017 - Runner Up of the Tomorrow’s Talent competition, London
July 2015 - Winner of 'Best Animation' at One Minute Film Festival, Switzerland
September 2015 - Winner of 'Best Animated Short' at Gotta Minute Film Festival, Canada
April 2016 - Winner of 'Directors Award' at Miniature Film Festival, Canada
Exhibitions
May 2015 - Surface Gallery - Above/Below - Volunteers and Studio Artists Show [Nottingham, UK]
March 2015 - Surface Gallery - Loovre Exhibition - Spend a Penny [Nottingham, UK]
November 2012 - Corn Exchange - MADE12 Art & Design show [Brighton, UK]
October 2012 - Canada Water Library - Sketchbook Project London [London, UK]
August 2012 - Lulu & Hitch and Pizza Express - Artist of the Month [Hove, UK]
January 2012 - Artist Residence - Mullitover [Brighton, UK]
September 2011 - Surface Gallery - Myth [Nottingham, UK]
June 2011 - Pedestrian Gallery - CUSPeditions [Leicester, UK]
June 2011 - Assembly House - Safina [Norwich, UK]
October 2010 - Battersea Park- Affordable Art Fair [London, UK]
June 2010 - Truman Brewery - D&AD New Blood [London, UK]
June 2010 - Norwich University College of the Arts - Graduates Degree show [Norwich, UK]
April 2010 - Assembly House - Illustration Blind Auction [Norwich, UK]
Talks
February 2019 - Select Vegan
January 2016 - Trent and Erewash Embroiderers Guild
May 2015 - Norwich University of the Arts careers day