I’m Nicola Erdpresser, freelance graphic designer, stained glass artist and creator of Inkwell Designs, a boutique collection of my patterns and planet friendly products.

I graduated from Reading University with a degree in Typography & Graphic Communication, a 4 year course which covered the history and theory of printing. As a vocational course the range of projects and study trips to Rome, Florence and Germany, Holland and Belgium provided the best foundation for a future in design. My disseration focused on the early wood engravings of Robert Gibbings.

At Rank Xerox Language Technology Centre, I was Team Leader for the production of General Electrics, and Ford and Vauxhall car manuals in different languages. I learned everything about Interleaf which was completely new software to me and used in the production of these manuals.

As a DTP manager at Dorling Kindersley, I helped standardise the way the books were created, both in the UK and the rest of world offices, training teams in Delhi, New York and Germany. The role involved exploring the best use of new software and hardware, moving through all the developments in QuarkXPress and Adobe products, Apple computers and Canon printers. In 2003 I became a freelance designer allowing me the opportunity to be more creative and working across DK’s departments on many book projects. I also began to work with other book and magazine publishers and love the variety of projects that freelance life brings.

I’m interested in environmental issues and campaign for Clean Air. I set up a community group and organise planting projects in association with South Western Railway, The Canal & Rivers Trust, TfL and our local Council, to help make the area we live in greener.

Follow me on Instagram @ink_well_designs and @stainedglassartshop