Lisa Kirkbride Designs

01/05/2026

April showers bring May flowers!

Can we get a round of applause? I actually managed two months of this challenge in a row! I’m continuing my birth-flower series, and for May, that means the Hawthorn and Lily of the Valley.

I’ve stuck with the postage stamp layout again. That cool blue background just felt right. It lets the delicate white bells and the pink Hawthorn blossoms pop without them fighting for the spotlight. Design-wise, they are such a fun pair: the airy, branching Hawthorn fills the frame so nicely against those tiny, rhythmic bells.

I have to admit... I’ve been having way too much fun with this. It’s become my favourite excuse to slow down and intentionally procrastinate. I’ve spent far too much time falling down Pinterest rabbit holes, obsessing over obscure floral meanings and microscopic color shifts just for the sake of it.

Now to see what June brings next... 🌿

17/04/2026

While I’m on a roll. I couldn’t resist giving my April birth‑flower illustration another little makeover…

So here it is as a greeting card, in a fresh colourway.

It’s fun to see how a tiny palette tinker can change the whole mood. This challenge is turning into such a fun exercise.

Now I really am off to see what May’s flowers have in store.

17/04/2026

A little April update from my birth‑flower challenge… and this one got BIG.

I took my daisies and sweet peas illustration and couldn’t resist turning it into a pattern, so of course the next step was a bed cover - one of my favourite mock‑ups.

It's fun about seeing a design jump off the screen and onto something “real”. Patterns behave in totally new ways when they’re stretched across a full surface.

On to May’s flowers next - but for now, I’m just imagining this on an actual bed.

And it's Friday - so a lie in tomorrow beckons - yay!

09/04/2026

I've been a bit quiet on here lately - I am still alive!

So in an aim to show up a bit more regularly, I’ve decided to set myself a small personal challenge: each month, I’m creating an illustration inspired by that month’s birth flowers. No brief, no pressure - just a chance to play, explore, and enjoy the process.

For April, that meant daisies and sweet peas.

Daisies are often associated with innocence and new beginnings, while sweet peas symbolise gratitude and joy. I loved bringing those ideas together and experimenting with colour and scale to create something that feels fresh and full of movement.

I mean , I could have started in January but where's the fun in that! I’m already looking forward to seeing how the rest of the year unfolds.

I’d love to know - do you have a favourite flower at this time of year?

24/03/2025

Not usually one for made-up “National Days”... but if it involves a cocktail, I’ll play along. 🍸✨

Here’s a Cherry Bakewell Martini - because dessert in a glass feels way more worth celebrating than some random date on the calendar.

Illustrated with love (and maybe a splash of amaretto).

14/03/2025

What an amazing week filled with creative collaborations, connecting with clients and cake!

Some weeks seem to fly by and this was one - partly because I was a nice boss and gave myself a day off for my birthday (hence the cakes!) - and they were as good as they look.

When I wasn’t indulging in birthday treats, I was busy working on some exciting branding projects, crafting social media brand kits, and coaching. Plus, I took a big step and signed up for a course to level up my Adobe skills - back to school for me! 🍏

I may be a year older but maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks! Excited to learn new things.

11/03/2025

Exciting news! and a lovely pic of Strawberry Dip!

Exciting news alert! 📣

We really miss our baa-rilliant Shaun the Sheep sculptures, so we are delighted to announce that in Summer 2026, we will be bringing a brand new character to the streets, parks and public spaces of Newcastle, all in support of St Oswald’s Hospice! 💙

We are looking forward to working with Wild in Art and Headline Trail Partner Newcastle City Council on our fourth art trail 🎨

For now, the star of the show is under wraps, but watch this space and be the first to find out, when we do the big reveal in April. We just know you are going to love them!

Find out more 👉 https://www.stoswaldsuk.org/our-fourth-art-trail-has-been-confirmed-for-summer-2026/

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26/02/2025

Exciting News!

I’m delighted that I can finally share a project I’ve been working on alongside Joanna Wishart and Barry Watson for Newcastle Building Society. We were tasked with creating an image for their reimagined banking passbook - now a modern tool for mindful money management, all while celebrating community and inclusivity.

My design honours the Society’s deep ties to local culture and the diverse communities they serve, from Tyne and Wear to North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
I decided to fill the entire design with a pattern, where each flower on the passbook symbolises the unique identity of a different region.

🌼 Tyne and Wear - Monkeyflower
🌸 Northumberland - Bloody Crane’s-bill
💐 County Durham - Spring Gentian
🌿 Westmoreland - Alpine Forget-me-not
🌱 Cumberland - Grass of Parnassus
🌺 Yorkshire - Harebell

The result is a vibrant, graphic design that blends nature with mindfulness, evoking calm, focus, and intentionality - perfect for a passbook that embodies both practical banking and a connection to the stunning North East.

I’m so proud to have contributed to this project, which highlights the power of community and mindful financial practices.

And if you’re in the area, all three images will be exhibited at the Baltic from today until Sunday. I’ll be there on Sunday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, so if you’re around, please pop in and say hello! 😊

14/02/2025

When you get a DM asking if your art can be used on a pie – the answer is a resounding YES!

Just look at this stunning mixed berry pie from .

Inspired by my pansy illustration, it’s almost too pretty to eat… almost. I can only imagine how delicious it tastes!

Go check out her page on Instagram – her pie artistry is next-level.

Mmmm... pie.

14/02/2025

After yesterday’s post and with Valentine’s Day here, I couldn’t resist talking about my first true love... Graphic Design.

I believe with the right creative spark, thoughtful design can:
❤️ Make a brand stand out, creating a lasting impression that turns heads.
❤️ Clarify complex ideas, transforming messages into visuals that speak volumes.
❤️ Add personality and warmth, helping brands feel inviting, relatable, and impossible to forget.

What’s not to love?

Whether you’re drawn to bold typography or head over heels for clean, modern layouts, I’d love for you to take a look and get in touch if you’ve got a project that feels like the perfect match.