Meet Abbey

Multidisciplinary Artist, Author & Educator

My Story

I’ve always made sense of the world and my own thoughts through creating.

Growing up in the Philippines, making things and sharing them with others came naturally to me. From doodling in my diary to painting on tote bags (my first business venture), I loved tapping into my creativity and documenting the process online, first via Tumblr and blogs, and eventually on Instagram.    

In 2015, having graduated from university the year before, I found myself working for an advertising agency. Alongside my day job, I spent nights and weekends teaching lettering workshops and taking on freelance gigs. I had endless energy and big dreams, but quitting and going all in on my creative career wasn’t even on my radar until I gave a TEDx talk and subsequently landed a book deal. I was 22 at the time.

I went on to author seven books including The Art of the Travel Journal, Hand Lettering A to Z, and The ABCs of Hand Lettering. I’ve also self-published a small collection of zines documenting my life and adventures. I like to think of them as my ‘cabinet of curiosities’ in print form.   

The years since I first went freelance have been varied and exciting. I’m a Jane of all trades! I used to dislike this quality, but I’ve come to realize it’s one of my greatest strengths. I can write, draw, paint, take photos, shoot video, and weave a compelling story together using all of these skillsets combined.

Now based in Berlin, Germany, I’ve traveled extensively and pursued many different creative paths—designing products for established brands, teaching journaling workshops, launching my Patreon, and creating on YouTube, to name but a few.

My Mission

Working and moving through the world as an artist allows me to live a truly remarkable life. I never take it for granted.

Now, I’m on a mission to make art more accessible and guide others on their own creative journey, wherever they’re at. I hope to inspire as many people as possible to explore their creative potential and give it plenty of room to grow.

As well as teaching online classes through platforms like Skillshare, I deliver in-person workshops all over the world. I’ve collaborated with well-known brands including MUJI and Modulor, and taught at events like the San Francisco International Pen Show, Stationery Fest New York, and the Miso Paper Pop-up in London.

I continue to design books, stationery, and paper-based products for publishers, brands, and other creative partners. Using a range of mediums including pen and ink and watercolours, my distinctive style incorporates hand lettering and illustration, giving my work a nostalgic, handmade feel.

CONTACT ME

Selected Clients

Airalo

Everyday Explorers Co.

Faber-Castell

Get Messy Art

Havaianas Philippines

Miso Paper

MUJI Deutschland

Notion

Paper & Pencil Chicago

Quarto Books

Sailor North America

Skillshare

Summit Books

Workman Publishing

Yoseka Stationery