Gemma Correll is an English freelance Illustrator and comic-making person who currently resides in Norwich, UK with her trusty sidekick-pugs, Mr Norman Pickles and Bella. Her clients include The New York Times, Hallmark and The Guardian, and has been seen all over the web and on popular tees through Threadless. She is obsessed with cats and pugs and chihuahuas and coffee and flickr, and makes pretty cool art.

Gemma stuck to her roots and created one of her fabulous pug designs for Urban Threads. You can grab it in machine embroidery and hand embroidery versions.

Tell us a bit about your background -- what led you into art?

I've always loved to draw and make things, so I knew at a young age that I wanted to be an artist (and/or own a pug sanctuary, which I still plan to do...) I'm just lucky that I actually managed to make that dream a reality.

What inspires your designs?

Anything and everything. Holiday souvenirs, childhood memories, overheard conversations, books, movies, coffee...

Tell us a bit about your design. Is there any story behind it?

The very basic story is that I really like pugs and am obsessed with drawing them. My muses are my pugs Mr Pickles and Bella. I also like old school tattoo designs.

What’s your studio/workspace like?

I share a studio with two other designers. We haven't been there long so it's not very pretty at the moment, but we're doing our best to make it a little more inspiring. My desk is a little on the messy side...

What’s your favorite handmade craft you’ve ever made?

I used to make little felt brooches to sell at craft fairs (I don't have time anymore, sadly) -- my favourites were "Signor Cactus" and a range of different beans including a Baked Bean and a Cool Bean wearing sunglasses.

Finally, if you were a Crayola crayon, what color would you be?

One of those jazzy crayons with glitter in them.

If you dig Gemma’s art or just really want to see more pugs, you can check out much more on her website.