http://www.purplelilydesign.co.uk/

Purplelily Design, Chartwell Green, West End, Southampton (2026)

23/02/2026

'No one ever made a difference by being just like everyone else.'
P T Barnum, The Greatest Showman.

When I opened my emails this morning, I was greeted by the well-known quote from The Greatest Showman. The film celebrates the power of individuality – a reminder that real change happens when we dare to be different and let our uniqueness shine.

That message rings true in life and in business. When you’re shaping your brand identity, values, and the foundations that make your organisation ethical and sustainable, embracing what sets you apart isn’t just important – it’s essential. Do you celebrate the qualities that make your business unique? Are you confident enough to stand out rather than blend in?

If your vision is to make life more colourful, meaningful, and purpose-led, that intention should be visible in every corner of your brand. And if you’d like support bringing that individuality to the forefront, I’m always here for a conversation.

Let’s make a difference, together.

#ʙʀᴀɴᴅɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪᴛʏ

20/02/2026

Oh. My. Goodness! How could I (almost) forget National Love Your Pet Day!

If you know me, you'll know I adore animals. I'm also quite well known for being a rescue guinea pig mum. (I even have a Pigvana Veggiemind t-shirt in the style of Nirvana's Nevermind.)

But today, I'm going to share a picture of me a long, long, long time ago with my best friend. Before there were rescue guinea pigs and veggie snacks, there was this amazing little puppy called Brandy. We grew up side by side and had many wonderful years together, partners in crime, playing in the snow, snuggles, and endless TV time. And of course, the dramatic sulks my Dear Little Friend treated me to whenever I came home from university… followed by forgiveness a few days later.

I was a bit tired of all the photographs taken at the time, but now they are treasured memories in print. It’s amazing how our animals shape our lives – they leave pawprints on our hearts that never fade.

Here’s to pups, piggies, and to every furry, feathered, or scaly friend who makes this world a kinder, brighter place. And, if you work for an animal charity, this day is for you, too.

Who leaves you with fond memories on National Love Your Pet Day?

❤️

17/02/2026

Gong Xi Fa Cai. Are you ready for the Year of the Fire Horse?

Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. Back in January, I heard plenty of people say they weren’t quite ready to gallop into 2026. With nature slowly returning between the downpours, perhaps now is the moment for a fresh burst of energy.

The Yang‑Fire Horse is vibrant and full of fiery momentum. It symbolises speed, adventure, vitality and forward motion. In Chinese culture, the Horse represents freedom, travel, boundary‑breaking and turning ideas into action. Yang‑Fire itself is like the blazing sun – bright, direct and impossible to ignore. You could say it aligns rather neatly with my word of the year: impact.

Horse energy in people often manifests as charisma, expressiveness, and strong motivation, though sometimes with a hint of impatience. When opportunity arises, act quickly!

However, those born with excessive Fire need to learn moderation to avoid burnout, impulsive decisions, or conflicts. Those born in times without Fire (Earth, Water, Wood*, Metal) may benefit significantly. Fire years favour technology, rapid skills upgrades, visibility and branding. I'll say that again, visibility and branding!

Yang-Fire is associated with sun, lighting and combustion, as well as confidence, leadership, decisiveness and the courage to step outside of your comfort zone.

Do you know what your birth sign is according to the Chinese calendar? Apparently, I'm a *Wood Tiger – a blend of courage and independence with the Wood element’s creativity and growth. It’s said to create a dynamic, ambitious and sociable personality.

Love animals!

Image credit: Herbert Riether/Neelam279 on Pixabay.

16/02/2026

Today’s post celebrates Scottish professional rugby union referee Hollie Davidson, a trailblazer who made history at the weekend as the first woman to referee a Men’s Six Nations Championship fixture, taking charge of Ireland vs Italy.

After the match, Italy’s captain Michele Lamaro offered a moment of genuine sportsmanship: "I just want to congratulate her, she has been doing so much for world rugby and our game, and I think it's an important thing to say.

"I appreciated the work we did together today on the pitch. Whatever the decision was, I was backing her and making sure everything was going the right way, so I just want to congratulate her and thank her for the effort on the field."

Davidson, a former scrum‑half, has been breaking new ground for years. She became Scottish Rugby’s first full‑time female referee in 2017, the first woman to referee a New Zealand Test in 2022, and has since officiated two Women’s World Cup finals and the 2025 European Challenge Cup final between Bath and Lyon.

Rugby is known for its physicality, but refereeing can be just as tough – every decision scrutinised, every call under pressure. Refs won’t always get everything right, yet they show up with resilience, clarity and composure. Hollie’s achievements highlight what’s possible when someone steps forward, holds their ground and leads with confidence. She’s also making an impact by inspiring the next generation of officials, and hopefully, the next female ref isn’t far behind.

If your goal is to make an impact and win good business in 2026, get in touch; I’m always ready for a graphic design grand slam.

13/02/2026

I love what I do, so I definitely do what I love!

Last weekend, we were reminded that the only thing more powerful than hate is love! Our environments and the people we surround ourselves with shape whether our hearts feel heavy or full of joy.

As someone passionate about good design, creating set me free from toxic employment relationships. I spent many years trapped in the wrong culture, my heart didn't feel joy, and my creativity was wilting. I had lost my purpose. Sometimes we need to step away, even stand alone for a while, to find the conditions where we can truly flourish.

But the truth is, we’re never really alone. With the right network of kind, values‑driven people, creativity thrives, and businesses grow, even on the tough days. Those connections matter.

If we haven't caught up in a while (or ever), let's reconnect with a 121. And if you run an ethical, environmentally conscious business, charity, or work in education, then we definitely need to talk.

Valentine’s Day may be tomorrow, but being able to love what you do is something worth celebrating every single day.

Do you love what you do?

(Ref: Bad Bunny and the Walk for Peace Monks with Aloka.)

12/02/2026

There are a few things that make graphic designers do a little happy dance (aside from a brilliant design brief, of course). With 'impact' as my word of the year, it’s a delight to hear when my work has genuinely made a difference for a client.

A big thank you to David at eventSPACE for these lovely words. It means so much when a client recognises the value of bringing in an expert and gives the space needed to create thoughtful, effective work. When ethics and values align on both sides, the whole creative process becomes smoother, and the results speak for themselves.

"I had the pleasure of working with Tracy on an internal catalogue of services and products for eventSPACE. She quickly understood our brand and transformed our content into a clean, engaging, and beautifully structured document that elevated how we present ourselves internally.

Tracy was professional, responsive, and a joy to collaborate with throughout the process. Her attention to detail and creative flair really stood out, and the final result exceeded our expectations. I’d happily recommend her to anyone looking for a talented and reliable graphic designer."

If you’re looking for a friendly, reliable designer who brings clarity, creativity, and care to every project, I’d love to chat about how I can support your next project.

30/01/2026

What are you doing this weekend? If you are based in the north of Hampshire, this could be perfect for you! If not, check out your local theatres and arts spaces.

I started designing this just before Christmas and finished it a few weeks ago. I love seeing what community events are coming up, and the Phoenix Arts have something for the whole family.

As last season's front cover featured Velvet Jones, a Burlesque dancer and teacher, this edition highlights a completely different performer. The front cover of any publication has to be a show-stopper, and this image of Luke Wright has been tilted slightly to enhance his expression; it also helped balance the elements on both sides of the cover.

The inside of the guide could feel a bit crowded as it's packed with details, but prioritising strong typography and visual accessibility makes a significant difference. A clean hierarchy of headings, prices, and introduction copy is supported by age ratings and suitability (family, comedy, etc). It’s all about making it as user-friendly as possible!

While the weather is grim and yet more rain is forecast, why not hunker down in a theatre or cinema and immerse yourself in another world?

28/01/2026

The rain has finally stopped, the sky is blue and my garden has reappeared. It feels like the perfect moment to celebrate Pop Art Day. Today is all about honouring one of the most vibrant and influential art movements of the 20th century.

The Pop Art movement emerged in the 1950s, blossomed through the 1960s and was led by artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Richard Hamilton, Peter Blake and David Hockney. Their work challenged traditional ideas of what art could be by visually embracing popular and mass culture. Bold, playful, and unashamedly graphic, it’s a style that continues to inspire many designers, including this one!

Pop Artists used silkscreen printing and other creative processes I learned at art college, as well as collages and mechanical reproductions to reflect the consumer-driven society of the post-war era. The alternative perspective to fine art helped break down barriers between 'high' and 'low' culture, making museums and galleries feel more relevant to the modern world and making art more accessible.

Think of the comic‑strip aesthetics, the enlarged halftone dots from old newspaper printing, and the graphic punch that encourages us to notice creativity in the ordinary. Without Pop Art’s irreverent spirit, would we have Banksy and the wave of street artists who followed?

However, Pop Art Day isn't just a celebration of a specific art style; it is a reminder of the artistic potential found in the everyday world (including the nature around us). It encourages everyone to engage with art in a fun and accessible way, reflecting the vibrant culture that surrounds us.

While I wouldn’t recommend modifying a business logo without checking brand guidelines or confirming who owns the Intellectual Property you’re about to play with, I created ’s logo, so I have full creative freedom. But you don’t need Pop Art – or a logo – to make something joyful. There are many ways to brighten someone’s day with a small creative gesture.

What little spark of colour or creativity could you share with the people around you today?

26/01/2026

Do you work in environmental education and often face a challenging audience?

Today marks World Environmental Education Day, highlighting the vital need for awareness and the sharing of accurate information. In 1975, the International Workshop on Environmental Education established the principles of environmental education within the framework of United Nations programmes as the Belgrade Charter:

Environmental education, properly understood, should constitute a comprehensive lifelong education, one responsive to changes in a rapidly changing world. It should prepare the individual for life through an understanding of the major problems of the contemporary world and the provision of skills and attributes needed to play a productive role in improving life and protecting the environment, with due regard given to ethical values.

The goal of environmental education is to develop a world population that is aware of and concerned about the environment and its associated problems, and which has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivations, and commitment to work individually and collectively toward solutions of current problems and the prevention of new ones.

The need for environmental education is stronger than ever. We are still working to help people understand the causes and consequences of the climate emergency, how it affects every living thing, and the fact that it can be prevented.

In a world overflowing with information, getting your message across can feel like a challenge. Whether you use reports, slides, stories, or graphics, one thing is true for audiences of all ages: visuals help people engage and understand!

Since studying Graphic Information Design at university, I've been passionate about how information is presented for educational purposes. Combined with a lifelong love of nature and conservation, it shapes the heart of my work today. I use design to educate, empower, and inspire positive environmental action.

If we want people to care, we first need to help them understand. Thoughtful, accessible design is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen.

21/01/2026

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and I certainly appreciate them! I have so many fond memories of these lively, intelligent and endlessly entertaining critters. From coming (almost) nose‑to‑nose with one through an open window while visiting family in Bromley, to having another one attempt to jump into my own window when I first moved into my flat, they’ve always had a knack for surprising me.

And then there were the red squirrels on Brownsea Island, run by the . Those tiny, nymph-like beasties made me freeze like a statue to watch them. Oh, and the wonderfully chilled, sun‑bathing squirrels down by Fox Rosehill Gardens, near Falmouth University, who shuffled away from humans on their bellies as if performing a slow‑motion comedy routine.

Grey squirrels may not get much love in the UK. However, nature's little gardeners quietly contribute to forest regeneration, serve as a vital link in food chains, and provide endless moments of delight with their playful chases and daring leaps, not forgetting their amazing memory for food stores. Whether burying winter stores with remarkable memory or boldly raiding bird feeders, they remind us of nature’s resilience, adaptability, and joyful energy. Taking a moment to observe or admire them can be a small act of mindfulness – an easy way to reconnect with the natural world.

What's that got to do with ? Nature is my biggest inspiration when creating design ideas. The delight I experience when seeing these Dear Little Friends is also on a par with the joy I experience when I see something I've designed in print! Yes, even after all these years – and even though I also design for digital platforms – there’s still something magical about the sight, touch, and (less potent these days) smell of freshly printed work.

If you’re nuts about high‑quality design and print, and you’re looking for thoughtful visual problem‑solving, I’d love to hear from you.

Image credit: Transly Translation Agency, Unsplash

19/01/2026

How are you holding up on this rather dull and dreary Blue Monday?

'Blue Monday' is the name given to a January day (usually the third Monday of the month) by a former health psychologist at Cardiff University. It’s often labelled the most depressing day of the year, and the travel industry often uses it as a prompt to encourage us to escape to sunnier places – especially here in the Northern Hemisphere.

However, jetting off isn’t always possible, and for many of us trying to reduce our environmental impact, it’s not even on the cards. So if you’re feeling a little low today, I thought I’d share some of the beautiful flowers I photographed at RHS Wisley last year.

Nature has an incredible way of lifting the mood – and it’s full of lessons for business, too. Every flower shares the same basic purpose of attracting pollinators, yet each one does it in its own unique way. Businesses and organisations are no different: all trying to attract customers, but each needing to show what makes them stand out.

A brand refresh or strategic boost at the start of the year can be a brilliant way to draw in new audiences. It not only helps others notice the great work you’re doing, but it also gives you a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

If you’re looking for a natural spark of inspiration, I’m always here for a chat. And if you simply want a moment of calm, feel free to enjoy the flowers.

🌸🌿

10/01/2026

At the end of last year, I created a product guide for eventSPACE. Drawing from their logo and website, I developed a bold, modern layout with a clean, intuitive structure that could be easily adapted as a template.

Using their logo and website as the visual foundation, I created a bold, simple layout that can be easily updated. The front cover features an image of a tilted white doorway with a blue transparency overlay. This is paired with colourful gradient lines for a bit of energy. The title reflects the eventSPACE typography, and the line “Amplify your event experience one day at a time" was chosen because event and exhibition spaces should be experiential, with products usually hired by the day.

Inside, the contents page follows the same visual style, with subtle exhibition imagery in the corners. All sections are fully linked within the pdf, allowing readers to jump directly to the section they need. Clear typography helps users navigate through categories like chairs, tables, and accessories. Small coloured squares indicate available options.

The final section highlights some of eventSPACE’s standout pieces – from an LED mist projection tunnel to themed stands (eco stands) and 3D renders that demonstrate how a space can be transformed without physical staging.

Purplelily Design

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