Colour lover, pattern obsessor, tea drinker & creative thinker

Hello!

I’m Laura Danby, the designer, maker and founder here at LD HQ. I live in sunny Brighton, on the south coast of England, not far from the beach.

I love to create colourful collections of statement jewellery, decor to brighten up living spaces and craft wonderfully unique design led gifts. Infused with vibrant colours, uplifting positivity and crafted with attention to detail, my aim is for each piece to be treasured and bring joy!

With a background in graphic design, I love flat colour, bold shapes, sharp lines and organic forms. Heavily inspired by mid century Scandinavian art, my 80s childhood and music culture!

Hand crafted

Every gift is dreamed up, designed, made and packed by Laura Danby in a creative Brighton studio with love and care. High quality and individually crafted, the pieces are made in small batches or collections. Processes are unique, thoughtful and often limited edition. There is no mass production here! By purchasing from my brand, you are supporting independent British design.

Fiercely independent

I am an advocate for supporting independent businesses! Lets celebrate the colour and joy they bring to our lives! It’s so important to support the local community and champion independent brands. Every small decision of where and how you spend your money has a BIG impact! Have you supported an independent business today?

Planet friendly

Each piece I create is designed to be cherished. Great care goes into the use of materials and the effect on our environment. The acrylics are 70% recycled and the off-cuts are donated to a local school and broken down for the students to create new projects. No landfil.

Papers are recycled or from sustainable forests. Cotton for the t-shirts is ethical and organic, even the waste water is drinkable, it is that clean! Parcels are posted out in 100% recyclable, plastic free packaging. If you’ve received bubble wrap it has been re-used or its biodegradable!

Branding & Design work

If you are looking to create a new brand style and logo for your business, taking the right approach is everything.  I will work with you to fully understand your path and define your goals.  Join me on a journey of creativity and inspiration as we move your business forward with a brand package. It will include a bespoke designed logo, rich colour palettes, iconic imagery and distinctive typefaces.

  • My Background

    I trained in graphic design at Bournemouth College of Art and then onto Kingston University. My final project involved crafting a paper sculpture collection for London Zoo. Following that, I gained experience at a printing company before setting up a successful design agency.

    Branding was my favourite part of the design agency role, so I am delighted to offer this service to other independents.

  • Lightbulb Moment

    My handmade business began in 2016 when I received a gift of a screen printing course. I spent the weekend madly hand cutting paper stencils to print as much as I could until they disintegrated! I loved the coverage of sharp flat cover I was never quite able to achieve with paint.

    On this course someone asked to buy a half finished print of a fox. The seed was planted and I began to dream if I could make a living from this new passion.

  • Community

    As I work independently, being involved in the maker community is key for me. I was a Brighton Etsy Leader for 5 years and meet regularly with with local creatives at markets, events and enjoy supporting others on the handmade quest.

    The Etsy and The Design Trust communities also provide me with invaluable support, business advice and friendship. I partner regularly with other creatives to skill share and bring encouragement.

Follow my journey on Instagram