This year is Artgecko's first year taking part in The Big Draw Festival - and we're thrilled to have them on board!

We couldn't wait to catch up with Gemma, Marketing and Brand Manager for Artgecko Sketch, to find out more about what they got up to for #MaketheChange and why their sketchbooks are so darn good!

Interview: Matilda Barratt in conversation with Gemma Bassett.

We’d love to hear a bit about Artgecko! Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Gemma and I’m the Marketing & Brand Manager for Artgecko Sketch. Artgecko Sketchbooks started in 2015, made in Otley West Yorkshire and is now Britain’s fastest growing sketchbook brand

At Artgecko Sketch; we make all our products using materials from responsible sources, high quality whilst being affordable so that our products are easily available to any artist at any ability (without having to navigate stuffy ‘artsy fartsy’ lingo). 

We want creativity to be at the heart of everything we do and to be fully inclusive of all artists and art types.

What sets you apart from other sketchbook brands?

We believe it’s our attention to detail that makes all the difference – that’s why our books are made the way that they are! Our sketchbooks are awesome (biased, yes) but they each have their own unique details that make all the difference! You can check our videos about our products on our YouTube channel!

A huge bonus is our team are passionate about art and creativity – we each have various hobbies and interests that are encouraged to be used in our work. Plus – we LOVE to have fun!! We go to and sponsor events, host a YouTube ArtClub each month and support our AMAZING art community.

How have the past 18 months been for you? Have you found ways of overcoming the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic?

The past 18 months have been very interesting – without a doubt it’s been a challenge (I think it’s fair to say it has been a challenge for every business in every industry) but for us it’s been positive and has challenged our ways of thinking to support our community through this time.

Could you tell us a little more about Artgecko Sketch ArtClub?

Yes, of course! Artgecko ArtClub started in January 2021 – we had planned to support a number of events over 2020/21 and due to COVID-19, these were no longer happening. We wanted a way to help our community stay entertained whilst in lockdown by learning or nurturing a skill with new found time or simply continuing to build on your own inner artist – enter Artgecko ArtClub! We made a commitment to host a free workshop each month for our followers to help motivate, inspire and encourage artists of all abilities and styles to create whilst interacting with other members of the art community. Another side of this is that each month we could provide a different host artist with an income during a challenging time. We feel that we created something beautiful in ArtClub and we want to continue to support art in the same way beyond COVID-19. Keep an eye on our social media activity for information of new ArtClub workshops each month.

Check out our highlights reel for Artclub in 2021!

What inspired Artgecko to take part in The Big Draw Festival this year?

We’ve been admiring The Big Draw from afar for quite some time (sorry, this sounded less creepy in my head) as we have a similar ethos around creativity so we thought it would be a fantastic time to say ‘hello’ and become a sponsor of the festival encouraging others to take part in something creative within their community!

Do you draw at all? What role - if any - does drawing play in your life and work?

I do draw yes, although not enough! I’ve taken part in life drawing classes recently which I find is a great way to really be present in that moment and to make the most of my own art practice. I like to sketch at night with music on to switch off from my day and take some ‘me time’ before bed.

Finally, could you tell our audience a bit about what you got up to for #MaketheChange?

In October we had a bumper month for Artgecko ArtClub! For #MaketheChange we added an extra free event for Halloween crafters. We partnered up with @ArtByNZ and @MorbidChalk to host a LIVE takeover on the Artgecko and TheBigDraw Instagram accounts on 22nd October at 7pm GMT – upcycling household objects using POSCA pens for decorations this Halloween. We used ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ as the theme but most importantly we were focussing on Sally – the lead lady! She’s always repairing her clothing (and herself) and we felt this was really reflective on how making a change such as fixing your clothes can make an impact on the environment and also mindfulness in everyday life. 

Thank you Gemma!

If you were inspired by this interview with Gemma and would like to find out more about Artgecko Sketch, head to their website here.

There's still time to register for The Big Draw Festival 2021: Make the Change! Find out more about the benefits of becoming an organiser here and other ways to support The Big Draw's mission here.