Johanna Basford OBE

Basford is widely credited with creating the adult colouring book category, which has become a global phenomenon since the release of Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book in 2013.

Just two years later it had sold 10 million copies and had been published in 40 territories.

Prior to its publication she was already a successful commercial illustrator working with clients including Nike, Tate Modern and Absolute vodka.

Her personal story is one of single mindedness and determination. Working from her native Aberdeenshire, Basford didn’t feel she needed to move to a big UK city.

She embarked on what was to become her first colouring book project from her home studio. After Laurence King saw a cover she had designed for Design Week’s sister title Creative Review, the publisher approached Bassford.

Laurence King initially suggested a child’s colouring in book was the route to take but it was Basford herself who pushed for a book aimed at adults.

On the back of the success of the first title, Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest and Colouring Book followed in 2015 and in the same year Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Colouring Book was published.

The books have been noted for their therapeutic properties and effect on mindfulness. Her pioneering spirit has taken her illustrations to a cultish level, with fans turning her designs into