Orla Brady is an illustrator, photographer and surface designer in Bournemouth, Dorset on the UK’s South Coast. Most of the time you can find her in her home studio or out exploring with her camera and sketch book, immersed in nature or down by the sea collecting curios. Orla’s work is inspired by travel and her passion for the natural world and a life-long fascination with the patterns, colours and shapes found in plants and animals.

Orla was awarded her BSc (hons) in Biological Imaging in 1998 and worked in private sector conservation education until 2001 when she trained as a Primary Science Specialist Teacher. She then taught for 18 years before taking the leap to work full time as an artist in 2019, after years of maintaining her illustration and creative practice part-time.

Having begun sewing bags and garments in 2012 when her daughter was a toddler, Orla was inspired to want to create her own fabric. Then in 2020, after taking up Quilting, and loving to sew with vibrant, modern fabrics, she took the Immersion course in 2021 and 2022 to learn how to use her illustrations in repeat patterns to create her own unique designs. She is now developing her own range of brightly-coloured, playful fabrics and paper products she hopes will spark joy for you!