Northampton illustrator ‘revving back up’ for 2026 as business will be more present than ever at markets
A Northampton illustrator is “revving back up” for 2026 as her business will be more present than ever at markets and she hopes to shout about her work across the country.
Emma Britten founded her art and illustration business The Wild Patch after dedicating years to her studies to improve and develop her work.
Her designs take inspiration from the motto ‘seek nature, live slowly’, and she first found her passion for art when her watercolour artist grandfather entered one of her paintings into an exhibition when she was just five.
Following a foundation course, an undergraduate and a masters degree all centred around art, Emma narrowed her specialism down to illustration.
She launched her new portfolio at the start of this year, in a bid to showcase what she can do and secure more client work and commissions – which has been a success.
Reflecting on how 2025 has been for The Wild Patch, Emma told the Chronicle & Echo: “It’s been quite up and down for me if I’m honest. I’m juggling part-time work and my business on the side.
“It’s been a struggle with having the guts to go for it this year, and hoping work comes in rather than having a steady income.”
Emma has landed more commissioned work with businesses throughout 2025, which has naturally evolved into a separate entity from her nature-focused creations at The Wild Patch.
Emma has created posters and menus for Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roasters, where she works part-time across their two venues in Northampton town centre and Weedon Depot alongside running her venture.
Business owner Steve Peel has given Emma lots of creative freedom with the project, and she is grateful for the opportunity to explore different techniques that she has wanted to for a while.
“I’ve really enjoyed drawing food and I’ve not really done much of that,” said Emma. “This has added to my skillset as to what I can illustrate and do for people.
“Working in Yellow Bourbon’s coffee shops is brilliant for meeting people and regulars ask about the posters. I’ve had work come in off the back of having conversations about them.”
Emma was asked how she would describe the experience of running an independent business in the county at the moment, and the obstacles and challenges she has to contend with.
“It’s exposure for me, it’s a tough one,” she said. “I’m not the best at putting myself out there in front of lots of people, but I have this year more than any other. Businesses trust in me to do the work.
“What’s amazing is that I grew up here and wanted to move away. Having these connections has made me feel I have a community here, and it’s the first time I’ve ever felt content in Northamptonshire.”
Emma explained that The Wild Patch is aimed more at connecting to nature and the outdoors, slow living and the appreciation of quality in life.
Having connected with the small business community in 2025, this has enabled Emma to branch out and she hopes to continue this work under her name separate from The Wild Patch next year.
The festive period is busy for Emma with workshops lined up, and she was pleased to be welcomed back to Warwick Museum for a second year. These sessions impressively sold out.
Emma is also collaborating with Louise Miller-Chalk at the Miller & Chalk homewares pop-up shop on Towcester’s high street, to offer lino printing workshops in the coming days.
The Wild Patch is currently based at Emma’s home studio and next year she would love to find a base for the business outside of her home once again.
The hope is to offer workshops on a regular basis and welcome people in, as well as the potential launch of a weekly art class.
“I’m revving back up again to do more markets, as I’ve missed being out meeting people and talking about what I do,” said Emma. “I want to shout my name at big markets around the country.”