When I left university in 2000 with a degree in Multimedia, I never imagined that one day my artwork would become part of so many people's memories of the Isle of Bute.
Over the years I've worked under my own name, Nicola Jones, as well as through Bute Gifts and Isle of Bute Gifts, creating artwork, souvenirs and locally inspired products that celebrate this beautiful island. What began as a passion for design has grown into more than two decades of creating gifts that people take home from Bute and treasure for years.
Inspired by Home
Living on Bute means being surrounded by inspiration every day. The changing skies, the coastline, Victorian architecture, ferries, beaches, wildlife and local landmarks all find their way into my work.
I've always wanted my designs to capture not just what Bute looks like, but how it feels.
Whether someone has visited for a weekend, grown up here, or has family connections to the island, I love creating gifts that bring back those memories.
A Collection Built Over Time
Since 2000 I've designed hundreds of products including:
- Prints and artwork
- Magnets
- Coasters
- Mugs
- Keyrings
- Tea towels
- Greeting cards
- Homeware
- Christmas decorations
- Clothing
- Tourist souvenirs
- Collectable Isle of Bute gifts
Each design becomes part of a growing collection that reflects the island's character and history.
Some visitors collect a new piece every time they return, while locals enjoy seeing familiar places transformed into colourful artwork.
Original Designs
One thing that has always been important to me is creating original artwork.
Rather than using generic stock imagery, I develop my own illustrations, graphics and layouts inspired by real places on Bute. Many people recognise my work instantly because it has developed its own distinctive style over the years.
Creating original designs allows every gift to have its own story and personality.
Supporting Local
Being a local designer has always mattered to me.
When someone buys one of my gifts, they're not simply buying a souvenir—they're supporting an independent artist who has spent years celebrating the Isle of Bute through creative work.
Many of my designs have become familiar sights in local shops and homes, and it is incredibly rewarding to know they have travelled all over the world with visitors who wanted to take a little piece of Bute home.
Still Creating
More than twenty-five years later, I'm still designing new collections.
Today my work continues to grow through projects such as Happy Tartan®, The Highland Dancer, Explore Bute and new Isle of Bute gift collections, while staying true to the same goal I had back in 2000—to create thoughtful, original products that celebrate this special island.
Creativity never really stands still, and neither do I.
There are always new ideas waiting to be sketched, new products to develop, and new stories to tell through design.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my work over the years. Whether you've bought a print, collected a coaster, sent one of my cards, or simply stopped to chat at a market stall, you've been part of this journey.
Here's to the next chapter of designing for the Isle of Bute. Since 2000, and with many more ideas still to come.
