WorkArt & Culture

12 creative put-downs turned into cheeky typographic art by Lisa Maltby

It can be challenging to stay sane and push your skills forward as a freelance creative, particularly when it's a field under so much scrutiny. And when we receive certain feedback from clients, it's hard not to take their comments personally.

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Person holding white lace-trimmed underwear printed with "We can't pay you but we will give you massive exposure" in magenta text, a typographic art piece by Lisa Maltby

For illustrator, designer and lettering artist Lisa Maltby, she's come up against a number of put-downs, both from acquaintances and creative professionals, and decided to transform them into art.

She explained: "As a sort of weird cathartic process I decided to turn the criticisms and condescending comments into fun typographic art. I wanted to create these in ways that matched each comment, using different media for each one accordingly. I hope they make you chuckle."

Based in Sheffield, Lisa has over 10 years' experience in the creative industries, and works for clients worldwide – whether that's a one-off illustration, a brand identity or a range of packaging designs. To discover more of her work, visit www.lisamaltby.com or follow her on Twitter @Lisa_Maltby.

Via direct submission | All images courtesy of Lisa Maltby

Hand-lettered typographic art reading "You will never make a living out of drawing, Sweetheart" with a rose illustration, created with pen and ink by Lisa Maltby
Embroidery hoop with cross-stitched text reading "This is just your hobby" in multicoloured thread, surrounded by dried flowers, scissors and ribbon on a light blue background
Cyan and magenta typographic art on a bright blue background reading "Design is not your strongpoint" by Lisa Maltby
Colourful illustration by Lisa Maltby with the words "Your work is average" surrounded by tropical flowers, birds and butterflies on a turquoise background
A colouring-in sheet with outlined cloud shapes surrounding colourful text reading "I'll just pay for a line drawing and colour it in myself", surrounded by coloured pencils on a green background
White card with "Did you do that?" and "That's actually quite good" against a red wall beside an ornate gold picture frame
Bright pink typographic art by Lisa Maltby reading "I've been trying to copy your work (but I'm going to have to commission you instead)" surrounded by pencils and sketched elements on a light blue background
Hand-drawn illustration of a vintage camera with text reading "No offence but if you're going to charge us we may as well take a photo
Magenta patterned fabric and scissors above text reading "PUT ON A SHORT SKIRT... you'll get way more clients that way" with coloured buttons below on a blue background
Typographic artwork spelling "Get a proper job" in blue patterned letters scattered around black scissors cutting through a "Pay Advice" payslip, by Lisa Maltby
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