About Me
I’m Ali Edwards — an illustrator and designer based in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. I create thoughtful, hand-drawn illustrations that help people connect with place, landscape and heritage.
Originally from County Durham, I’ve always felt deeply rooted in the North East. When I left in my early twenties I didn't know how much I'd miss it! I spent my twenties and thirties in the South East, doing work I found meaningful and interesting, but always with a sense that I was a long way from where I actually belonged. So when my husband and I decided we'd had enough of the South East — the question was never really where. It was just when.
We chose Berwick-upon-Tweed. As far north as you can go in England before you hit Scotland. The dramatic North Sea coastline, upland landscapes, rivers and layers of history here are a constant source of inspiration for my work.
Illustration with purpose
I’m a self-taught illustrator with a particular love of pen and watercolour. My work is detailed, calm and expressive, often combining careful linework with hand- or digitally-applied colour. Depending on the project, that might mean modern, limited palettes or more natural, observational tones.
I do a lot of work on illustrated maps and illustrations for heritage and conservation organisations rooted in visual storytelling. Illustrations designed not just to inform, but to help people feel oriented, curious and emotionally connected to a place.
Sharing my love of drawing
Beyond the studio, I run outdoor nature sketching workshops for complete beginners inspired by the Green Sketching movement - a slow, mindful approach to being outside that uses simple drawing techniques to help people really notice and connect with the natural world around them. No artistic experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to put the phone away for a couple of hours. My public workshops run throughout the year and I also create bespoke nature art workshops for groups and businesses. I also lead illustration-focused workshops for museums and heritage organisations, helping people to connect to objects, people or stories from the past through art.
How I work
I’m calm, organised and communicative, with a strong emphasis on clear briefs, realistic timelines and expectation-setting from the outset. I enjoy working closely with clients to translate their complex stories, landscapes or ecosystems into visuals that are engaging, accessible and robust enough to stand up to scrutiny.
My approach is values-led and considered rather than trend-driven, making me well suited to working with organisations focused on long-term stewardship of land or culture.
A background in universities and values-led organisations
Alongside my creative practice, I bring more than 15 years’ experience working in the public and not-for-profit sector. Before becoming an illustrator, I held senior communications and fundraising roles at organisations including the University of Oxford, Newcastle University and the National Trust, where I was Head of Individual Giving and Legacy Marketing for 6 years. In these roles I led national campaigns, managed six-figure budgets, worked with trustees and senior stakeholders, and collaborated extensively with external designers, illustrators and creative agencies. I also served as a Trustee of Museums Northumberland from 2019 - 2024, contributing strategic oversight with a focus on communications and fundraising.
This experience means I understand the realities of working within heritage and conservation organisations: from procurement processes and funding pressures to the responsibility of spending public or charitable money well. Clients often tell me this gives them confidence: I understand accuracy, accountability and collaboration, as well as creativity.
A little more about me
I’m an environmentalist, historian (I actually read History at University and am still passionate about history and heritage), a keen gardener, music lover, book devourer and enthusiastic collector of half-finished craft projects. I also love hiking with my family and our rescue Border Terrier, Mick.
If you’re interested in following along with my journey, I write about inspiration, place and process on my Notes from Northumberland blog.
If you’re a land, heritage or conservation organisation looking to commission illustration that helps people truly connect with place, you can explore my commissioned work here.
And if you think we might be a good fit, I’d love to hear about your project.
Coostie (adj) A dialect word of north Northumberland meaning ‘good’ or ‘great’
I want my creative business to be as ‘good’ as it can be. Sustainability is very important to me and I only work with suppliers who have a transparent supply chain and strong ethics. If you purchase artwork or a gift from me, you can be confident that it was made in the most environmentally-friendly way possible and that it will be sent to you with minimal packaging. A percentage of my profits will always go to support local charitable causes.