Hi, I’m Michele
Primrose and Bee is just me – a graphic and web designer based in Grantham, working with small businesses and startups who want design that’s creative, considered and completely their own.
I’ve been doing this for over 15 years. I have a degree in graphic design and a background that spans branding, web design, illustration, print and large-scale exhibition work. I’ve worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from local independents to national organisations. But small businesses are where my heart is, and where I do my best work.
My Background
I didn’t start out in design. My first passion was horticulture and conservation, and that love of the natural world has never left me. You’ll see it in my work – in the detail, the organic shapes, the way I think about colour and form.
I came to graphic design later, and threw myself into it completely. Over the years I built up serious experience across a lot of disciplines, including seven years in exhibition design where I worked on large format print, elevation plans and 3D design. I got very good at it.
But I knew there was a different way of working out there for me. One where I could take my time, work with people I genuinely connect with, and actually care about the outcome. So in 2018 I set up Primrose and Bee, and I haven’t looked back.
I work one to one with every client. No account managers, no handoffs. Just you and me, working through it together.
I ask a lot of questions. I listen carefully. I pick up on the things people say and the things they don’t quite say yet. And I’m honest – if something isn’t working, I’ll tell you, and I’ll tell you why.
I was diagnosed with ADHD last year – late, as these things often go. Looking back it explains a lot, including why I work the way I do and why I connect so well with the clients I do.
A lot of the people I work with think differently. Some have a diagnosis, some don’t, but they often share the same experience – they struggle to articulate exactly what they want, they’ve felt overwhelmed by other designers, or they’ve been expected to hand over a detailed brief when their brain just doesn’t work like that. I get it, because I’ve been there.
So I take that off your plate. I ask the right questions, I work with what you give me, and I make the process as easy as possible. I know when to simplify, when to take something off your hands completely, and when not to bombard you with too many decisions at once.
What I won’t do is hand you something generic and hope for the best. Every project I take on gets proper thought and proper craft. I’m a trained designer and I take that seriously.
“She is truly part of the team in every way. Her branding and colour knowledge is unsurpassed – a true visionary who understands what we need and creates more than we expect or could envision every time.” – Jodee Peevor, Long-term client
When I’m not designing, you’ll find me in the garden or at the allotment – that horticulture diploma still comes in handy! I’m based in Grantham with my family, and I work around the things that matter.
I set this business up to do work I love, with people I enjoy working with. Seven years in, that’s still exactly what I’m doing.
Want to work together?
I’d love to hear about your business. Get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat about what you need.
Who I’ve worked with…
"I was delighted with the calm and matter of fact way that Michele dealt with my website design.
I never once felt uncomfortable or stressed with her."
