Illustrations by Rocket68 and The London Studio have been licensed for a range of 2025 calendars and diaries by Portico Designs.
The Portico range is to be based on London Calling, Rocket68’s award-winning illustrated collection of London-themed prints and cards that aim to portray the vibrancy and beauty of London’s architecture, areas, life and communities. The deal was brokered on behalf of The London Studio by independent licensing sales consultant Kirsty Guthrie of KJG Ltd.
Finalist in the Best Art Range for the Henries Awards 2023, the ultimate accolades in greeting card publishing, and a winner in the international category at the Gift of the Year Awards in 2022, London Calling is a sophisticated and artistic take on some very diverse London landmarks. From Windsor Castle to the Walkie Talkie building and from the Houses of Parliament to the Gherkin, this is a collection of the classic and the unexpected, rendered in a stylish and unique way by Rocket68 founder and artist, Jill White.
The London Studio has a strong reputation for identifying and supporting a number of highly original artists, many of whom have been honoured in greeting card, illustration and design awards – and Jill White is no exception. Jill is a Trinidad-born illustrator and designer with a plethora of art awards to her name. Her cards and prints are stocked in a multitude of independent UK stores and larger outlets such as Harrods and Waterstones, as well as museum and gallery shops including the Tate and Tower Bridge. They are also exported internationally and her artwork is licensed by The London Studio to select retailers and publishers worldwide.
Charlie Czul, Sales Director, Portico Designs, says: “Rocket68 is widely admired for a portfolio that combines an exciting colour palette and the zest of contemporary design, as this wholly original take on aspects of London proves. The London Calling range is striking and inspirational – perfect for what we are sure will be a very popular range of calendars and diaries.”
Founder and director of The London Studio, Soula Zavacopoulos, says: “We’re delighted to see Jill White’s exquisite work recognised by a major name in calendar and diary publishing. London Calling is a fabulous collection and one that very much merits its own calendars and diaries from one of the UK’s finest independent publishers. I expect that many of the retailers and galleries who already stock Rocket68’s successful cards and prints will be thrilled that they’ll soon be able to expand their in-store displays to include this exquisite social stationery next year.”
Kirsty Guthrie of KJG Ltd says: “Portico Designs has a strong reputation for diverse partnerships and high-quality illustration – and we are thrilled that it has now included Rocket68 among a very strong portfolio of partners. The popularity of London Calling has already exceeded our expectations – and this agreement is a wonderful addition to that success.”
The London Calling range of calendars and diaries published by Portico Designs will be available from September 2024 with a wide-ranging distribution including bookshops, supermarkets, gift shops and online.
