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Guest Feature: Lucie Cooke tells us about window illustrations!



I started window illustration 18 months ago, after a friend asked me to draw her shop display.


I have been a freelance designer and illustrator for almost 5 years now, working on many varied projects and with many different materials, so I just saw windows as a different type of canvas.


Window art has such a wide-ranging appeal. I have illustrated windows for shops, salons, schools, hospitality, offices and private homes! Not just windows either, I have also been asked to work on blackboards and to paint murals.Window art lets businesses show their fun side. You can be more expressive and bolder with design and colour choice due to the short term nature of a window display. My designs are typically kept up for a couple of months and often changed seasonally to keep displays current and fresh.


The response I get is always so positive. Passers by always comment how my designs “really cheer the place up”! Particularly so through the lockdowns when a number of shops continued to have their windows done just to spread a bit of positivity and cheer.


I love window drawing as it offers more freedom and variety and is much faster paced than other types of illustration. Each window is completely different and my portfolio is ever evolving! My process always begins with a discussion with the client. Sometimes they have a clear idea of what they want and sometimes they give me free reign.


Depending on the idea and size of the window, sometimes I start with a sketch and map out the layout, anything with writing needs a bit more planning, but most of the time I just draw freehand and let the design develop. I use chalk paint pens and it is all drawn by hand.

I am now working on windows beyond Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley. As my portfolio and reputation grow, I am getting bookings from further afield, now covering Lancashire and Greater Manchester.


I love that people now follow and recognise my style! I even recently got asked for a list of all my current window art in Clitheroe so they could do a trail and see it all!With a BA Hons degree in Contour Fashion, my career path began working in fashion and lingerie design and has lead me to working in pattern and graphic design, and in more recent years, to illustration.


I am experienced in a range of techniques and styles; from hand drawn line work, to watercolour painting, to digital design as well as window illustration. In 2018 I created Lucie Cooke Studio, through which I offer hand drawn personalised prints, bespoke illustrations and colourful artwork in my distinct colourful style; as well as freelance illustration, children’s book illustration and pattern design.


For examples of my work, see @luciecookestudio on Instagram or www.luciecookestudio.co.uk


For all freelance enquiries or window illustration requests see @luciecookedesign on Instagram or email luciecookedesign@gmail.com.


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Thank you so much Lucie for your colourful and insightful contribution to our blog! If you've been inspired to contribute a guest feature, please let us know!


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