A set of illustrated postcards designed to celebrate Kindness, Curiosity and Commitment - three values at the heart of a UK primary school’s ethos.
The postcards are designed to be sent home as “good news” whenever children show these values in action, with a handwritten note from their teacher. The school wanted to refresh a long-standing tradition with a new edition of illustrations that felt inclusive, joyful and full of character.
The illustrations needed to clearly feature the value word and translate abstract ideas like curiosity or commitment into concepts children could recognise.
It was important that the characters felt diverse and representative, and that the designs worked both individually and as a set. These postcards would be printed and used regularly, so the artwork needed to feel engaging over time, and fun!
Illustrator Katy began by exploring multiple visual interpretations for each value, sketching different scenarios and interactions that might naturally express kindness, curiosity or commitment. These early ideas were shared with the school, who discussed them as a team before selecting their preferred directions.
From there, Katy and Billmund developed the illustrations through refined sketches and into colour. Each postcard was given its own limited colour palette to give it a distinct identity, while ensuring the three designs sat comfortably together as a set.
The compositions are intentionally busy and detailed, inviting children to look closely and spot small moments within each scene. As a playful extra, we also hid a tiny Easter egg in each illustration: Françoise the Snail can be found hidden on every postcard, for sharp-eyed children (and adults) to spot.
The final postcards were approved, printed and are now in use across the school, becoming part of everyday classroom life. They’re handed out to recognise positive attitudes, behaviour, and effort, and often end up pinned to fridges, noticeboards or bedroom walls at home. What a lovely project to have worked on!
Illustration: Katy Ross and Billmund
