Hi. I'm Torri.
Pattern Designer, Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Unlike many in the creative field, my initial career had little to do with design. After attending business college, I worked as an office clerk before immigrating to Great Britain. Upon returning home, I spent over a decade as a freight forwarding agent before deciding on a 180° career shift.
I’ve always been creative. Alongside fandom work (Photoshop art, writing, etc.), I ran a small handmade jewelry and sticker business on Etsy. In 2022, after years of working night shifts and battling constant sleep deprivation, I decided it was time for a complete career change—to something I actually enjoyed.
"If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down."
- Roy T. Bennett
After months of attending professional graphic design evening classes while working full-time, I became certified in December 2022. However, life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and I didn’t leave my shipping job until mid-2023. After a well-deserved three-month travel break, I was ready to jump back into work—only to discover that finding a job wasn’t so easy. Despite the news proclaiming a shortage of skilled workers, I frequently heard, “Not enough experience” or “We found someone more qualified.”
So, what’s a woman to do when she’s trained, motivated, and wants to work? Well, you guessed it: you create your own opportunity!
“Remember that no one will hand you power or responsibility;
you must take them yourself and make the necessary effort to obtain them.” - Helen Keller
During my involuntary downtime, I dove into Skillshare classes, practiced my drawing and design skills, and began building my own brand, preparing for what I hope will be an exciting new chapter.
My Style
I love nature and traveling, so it’s no surprise that these themes heavily influence my work. Exotic places and unusual flora and fauna fascinate me.
I’m what some might call an "old soul." I enjoy sitting quietly in a park, watching the world go by, listening to leaves rustling overhead, or observing birds hopping around. I’m naturally drawn to tranquillity. Though I’m in my mid-30s, I enjoy activities that some may think are more suited to an older age group, like strolling through botanical gardens, sipping tea in quaint tea shops, browsing antique stores, or wandering through historic houses to admire their romantic interiors. I love rich, ornate wallpapers that are brimming with birds & flowers and gold adorned everythings are my thing.
Which is also kind of funny because even though I love vintage aesthetics, I am also a huge science fiction fan. Yep . Trekkie all the way. I even do all the crazy things like creating fanart, writing fanfictions and going to conventions - though, not dressed up. Well, maybe... sometimes… a little. Hey! Doesn’t every Trekkie own a Starfleet uniform? I feel like I wouldn’t be a fan if I didn’t. :D
I think if there’s one word that describes my design process , it’s "arbitrary." It’s seemingly random, happens by sheer chance with whatever inspiration strikes me at the moment I’m hold my drawing pen and is based on personal, reasonless whims. I don’t know whether that is a good thing or a bad one, but it certainly is exciting. One day, I might be sketching WWII fighter planes, and the next, I’m immersed in whimsical botanicals. I haven’t quite settled on one "true" style yet, but I enjoy exploring new themes and ideas, even if it seems a bit chaotic..