Hull based artist and illustrator Tom Hardwick is inspired by the natural world and his prints, pins and patches are packed with personality. Whether your favourite animals are four legged or winged, wild or domesticated, Tom’s illustrations and designs range from the elegant to the cartoon to the darn right cute. BALTIC Shop discovered Tom at one of our Make More Craft Fairs and his animal inspired pins have been especially popular – who wouldn’t want a shiny red panda pinned to their lapel?

We asked Tom to send over a few words about his practice:

“My work reflects my inspiration from the natural world and the British countryside drawn from happy family holidays in the Lake District and watching animal documentaries as a child. After graduating from Hull School of Art and Design, I slowly worked on my style and product range which has now has a range of pins, prints, cards, patches, key rings and I’m always working on new images and products. I also works at lots of markets across the country and was found after attending one held at The Baltic”.