We chat to illustrator, designer, and Offspring Community member Freya May.

Tell us about yourself

I’m Freya May Pearson. A freelance illustrator, designer, and maker. 28 & living in Brixton. I first moved to London in 2019 after 4 years at Arts University Bournemouth (studying Makeup for Media and Performance). Moving to London was something I always saw myself doing. I have a lot of family here and my parents live just outside. It’s home to me.

We understand you have your own business. Can you tell us how you got started?

It all started in 2018 with illustrations when I decided to have a play around on Illustrator – my first set of illustrations were of Frank Ocean, Frida Khalo and Kayne West. Then I quickly transitioned into illustrating purely sneakers because of my passion for them, which soon carved a future of business for me I didn’t know was waiting! My candle creations came not long after. For me when I get an idea, I love the process of working it out how I’m going to achieve it, I’m the practical one in my house share, put it that way.

My first candle design was very different – a pillar candle with an integrated concrete base. I began selling on Etsy and after having a very successful year and a half, I wanted to integrate all of this together – and that’s how my journey to creating sneaker candles happened, and this was just the start.

How would you describe your design work and practice?

My work feels like a (complimentary) contradiction. I have my bright, colour popping illustrations and then my neutral candles and homeware made from raw materials. A lot of my early work in textile design was similar, as well, so I can see the trend. My work is practical, aesthetic, and unique. I never wanted to limit myself with a specific brand name. Freya May Design (my first and middle name) seemed appropriate because I am a multi-disciplined creator.

I have always been a creative person from when I was very little and with having severe Dyslexia, creating is my way to express myself. My art is me.

What was/is the inspiration behind your work?

I’m inspired by a lot but having worked in a shoe retail shop for 5 years, it gave me another type of love for the structure, silhouettes, textures, and the design of sneakers. Now, in my practice I expand on that, I get to cut open and see the inside structure of a sneaker that you wouldn’t normally see. They are so adaptable and have so many layers to them which is very inspiring to me, I’m one of many creators who use sneakers in their own way. The way I’m able to mould, manipulate and alter sneakers inspires me to do more with them. Bringing the design and adapting them into something new. My passion of wanting to create something unique goes hand in hand with this. And not to mention the constantly changing sneaker industry, that will continue to be inspiring.

What’s been the greatest and hardest things you’ve had to come across?

Starting something on your own creates a huge amount of pressure. You want all the hard work to pay off, you want others to like your work and you want to be happy with it yourself. I have definitely struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, there’s so many factors you have to consider, especially living in London. Just making a living and keeping afloat can be really tough.

I’ve always had a massive question mark over what I wanted to do – all I knew was that I wanted to create and be practical and that’s as far as it went. Negative thoughts creep in from time to time but you must trust the process and know where you are, is exactly where you're meant to be. I have been truly grateful for the position I am in being able to mix my passion and skills together and I love the enjoyment I receive from it.

Last year Offspring hosted an OFF-LICENCE event to celebrate 35 years of Air. We showcased your brand Freya May Design as one of many community entrepreneurs redefining the blueprint in your own unique way. What was your highlight from the day?

It was an amazing day. It felt like a long time since proper meetups had happened, so it was great to connect, meet familiar faces and be with the community in person. The vibes were on point as always. I felt super grateful to showcase my Dunk Candles and AF1 trays alongside some other amazing entrepreneurs, a moment in my career to remember.

Most recently, you illustrated the iconic MJ slam dunk from ‘88 tote design for Offspring’s AJ3 White Cement Reimagined release. What was your favourite part about this project?

My favourite part has to be capturing such an iconic moment in my own way, in my own style. I’m very excited for the community to get the totes in celebration of such a pinnacle sneaker. There is something so special when a reimagined sneaker releases and I am so grateful to be a part of this for Offspring.

Do you have any early sneaker memory?

2013 Crepe City Truman’s brewery!! This was my first Crepe City. I remember the buzz in the air I felt being around so many sneakers – it was such a pinnacle moment for me. 10 years later, this March, I’m going to be selling at my first Crepe City. Full circle moment for sure! Another moment would be 2014 – a university trip to New York (whilst studying makeup). Everyone went into every Sephora they saw, and I went into every Flight Club and Champs trying to find Jordan Futures. This really showed me where my passion was – sadly, I was unsuccessful.

Do you have any sneaker regrets and what is your sneaker grail?

My sneaker grail has got to be the Air Jordan 4 ‘Bred’ – I have always loved the AJ4 silhouette and the shoe has always had a grip on me since 2012. I’m a step closer with my Military Blacks but I’ve seen there is a rumoured release for 2024 so it might be time to make lil Freya happy. And regret probably not picking them up in 2019!

What sneakers are in your rotation currently?

AJ4 Military Blacks, Air Max 1 x Patta Monarch and now the AJ3 White Cement Reimagined.

Aside from sneakers what else are you into?

Music is a big thing for me; a special mention to my older brother who influenced me a lot when I was younger. My first gifted CD was Usher – Confessions when I was in Year 4, a true grail! Working by myself, music keeps me going whether I’m in the mood for old school grime, 90s R&B or Hip Hop, New Age Rap, New R&B, UK Rap, Afrobeat’s or Dancehall. Everyday can be different and I have a lot of Spotify playlists to support which I take a lot of pride in.

Also obsessed with having my nails done and nail art too which you can see in my illustrations.

What does community mean to you?

Community means everything to me. I find sometimes having a solo business and being a one-woman show can be very isolating at times. So, to have community; a safe space with like-minded people, to share and uplift and to connect with, is so important. It really keeps my passion for what I’m doing alive and more importantly I love to create for the people in this community.

What’s next for Freya May Designs?

Well at the end of this month I have a massive change. I am moving into my own studio (no more working in the spare box room at home). I’m honestly so excited to start a new chapter and excited to see what it brings. Hopefully new products, events, collaborations, and opportunities. I have really been enjoying making bespoke/customs pieces for brands so really want to expand on this this year. Having a bigger space dedicated to work will really allow Freya May Design to flourish. Watch this space.

Check out more from Freya on Instagram @freyamaydesigns and freyamaydesign.com