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Guest artist - Megan Carter


Megan Carter has been working as a surface pattern designer and illustrator for the past 20 years, starting her career at greetings cards companies until moving into freelance. Discover more about Megan’s work, her global collaborations and her beautiful deco design for Ootrey.
Guest artist - Megan Carter

by Matthew Taylor

3 years ago


"I never ever really dreamed of being anything else other than an artist or designer... I always loved drawing, designing and painting, particularly patterns. My dad is an artist so it runs in the family. I studied a surface pattern degree at Staffordshire University, graduated and went on to work as an in-house greetings card designer for Hallmark cards then UKGreetings, before embarking on my freelance journey. 

When working as a greetings card designer, my work was still based on surface pattern... My natural instinct was to create patterns within my illustrative based designs. After having some time out to start my family, I decided to re-explore the possibility of designing for homewares, fabric, fashion, packaging, stationery, alongside greetings cards.

In February 2020, I collaborated with American brand, Cotton and Steel, to bring a childhood dream to life and  launch a collection of fabrics… It's a remarkable feeling to see people buying and making beautiful creations with my designs. Through the pandemic, people have been busy making loads of beautiful things, which is something really positive to take from all the craziness going on (scroll down for more...). 

My patterns come from a starting point in design history... Even if I’m working on a contemporary project, I still often start by looking back a decade in time for inspiration. I love to look at organic forms to draw and develop into repeat patterns. I find the process so relaxing and fulfilling. And I love colour. I find the palettes I choose hugely important in the process (scroll down for more...).

I love collaborating with different UK-based and international companies... Over the years, my collaborations include mobile phone covers, scarves, fabrics, hand painted florals, on-demand wallpaper, animations and, of course greetings cards, gifting and wrapping paper. My second Cotton and Steel Fabric collection comes out in March this year and I have a third collection coming out in the Autumn. And of course, my exclusive Ootrey notebook and print (scroll down for more...).

I Just love Art Nouveau and Art Deco... When creating my pattern for my Ootrey notebook and print this was very much inspired by these movements but with a contemporary edge. It’s perfect for anyone with a keen eye for stylised sophisticated design and bold colours.

Instagram: @megemlew

Related Products

Megan Carter Notebook
Regular price
£12.00

Megan Carter Notebook


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