Hi, I'm Gemma, the founder and illustrator behind Syd&Co.

As a little girl, I drew every day and kept a file full of my horse, cat and dog drawings. I was desperate for a dog, so in a way, I'm now living my childhood dream.

I went on to teach Textile Design and did a Master's in Contemporary Applied Arts, but drawing dogs is what I always came back to. 

Syd&Co began on my kitchen table while I was still teaching, and with a whole lot of passion and determination, I turned it into my business.

I draw every dog myself, by hand. I'd never use AI, because the little imperfections and quirks are what make each drawing special.

I love drawing dog portraits, but my favourite thing is creating designs that tell a story. Life is Better, the Feel Good Walking Club, Outside is Where It's At: each one is a little snapshot of the adventures and everyday moments we share with our dogs.

Home is Cumbria, on the edge of the Lake District, with Albert, Stan and Pablo, who you'll spot in lots of my designs. Most of my collections start on our walks: Buttermere, the woods, and all the muddy bits in between.

Syd&Co is really about one feeling: life is better with your dog. I just get to draw it.