Katie Abey was finishing a Graphic Design Degree at Nottingham Trent University when she made a new year resolution to post a daily funny doodle on her Facebook page. More than 1200 days - and doodles - later, this resolution, and Katie's cute illustrations and sense of humour are the basis for a very successful business!
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From the first doodle of a cute character called 'Jerome', the doodles have ranged from puns, cats, motivation, and life in general, to strange hybrid animals and famous people.
Katie Abey Design has grown from being Katie printing out cards in her kitchen, to a company run by herself and her new husband Jeff, and employing several freelancers to help out with the growing workload. The company really took off when she dreamt up the Mug of Motivation, which is sold in her Etsy shop, along with lots of other products featuring her designs, which are bought by customers all over the world. When a Daily Doodle is particularly popular, Katie will often introduce a product based on that design, although every single Doodle can be specially ordered as an A4 print. She is still based at her home in Derbyshire and insists on products being made in the UK wherever possible.
Katie has also illustrated several books for children and adults, and is proud of the happiness and motivation her work brings to her fans and hopes her success will inspire young people who are wondering about a career based in art.
More info: Etsy
Katie's logo
'Jerome' - the first doodle from January 1st 2014
This was the first doodle Katie posted on her Facebook page, she has posted a different one every day since then...
James Bowen and Bob the cat
Katie has doodled various famous people (and cats!)
Axolotl
Katie did a whole series of doodles on 'peculiar creatures'
Remain cat
Occasionally doodles are topical
David Meowie
2016 inspired several tributes to legends we lost
Super Sloth
This slow superhero is now a star of a book and available to buy on mugs, coasters, cards...
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/256539878/super-sloth-illustrated-mug-funny-cute
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/256539878/super-sloth-illustrated-mug-funny-cute
Games of Thrones fan art
Catleesi coaster available here
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/399457901/catleesi-game-of-thrones-khaleesi-
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/399457901/catleesi-game-of-thrones-khaleesi-
The Mug of Motivation
The star product that grew the business and motivated thousands!https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/219397906/the-mug-of-motivation-
Tattoonicorn Pin
Another product that grew from a popular doodle
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/501368129/unicorn-pin-tattoo-pin-soft-enamel-pin
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/501368129/unicorn-pin-tattoo-pin-soft-enamel-pin