Meet Rebecca Davies | Artist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Davies and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
For a long time, I probably would’ve said something like money or recognition—fame, status—all the usual answers. But becoming a mother completely shifted my perspective. These days, I define success as happiness, freedom, and the ability to live life on my own terms.

As a woman, a mother, and someone from a working-class background, there’s this constant message that you have to sacrifice who you are—your passions, your creativity, your career—for the sake of practicality or responsibility. And in many ways, that’s true. There are sacrifices. But I think my biggest success is that I haven’t sacrificed the core parts of myself—my creativity or my ambition—despite the challenges.

I’m hyper-aware that there aren’t many mothers, especially from low-income towns, who get the chance to create and pursue their passions. So for me, simply being here—doing what I love and calling it my job—that’s success. Because I know not everyone has the freedom or courage to take that kind of risk and follow their dreams. And I don’t take that lightly.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Honestly, just being here, doing what I love as a working-class woman, a mother, and a creative—that alone sets me apart. Statistically, we’re a minority in the creative industry. Only about 13% of us come from working-class backgrounds, around 40% are women, and I can only imagine how tiny the percentage is for mothers from low-income towns like mine. So, me simply existing and thriving in this space as my full, unapologetic self—that’s something I’m proud of.

Our stories matter. Working-class stories, women’s stories, mothers’ stories—they matter. The way we see the world, the art we create, the emotions we channel—it all holds weight and power. Women have been documenting history from the very beginning—those cave drawings where likely drawn by women. And yet we’ve been erased over and over again. That outrage fuels me. Most of my work is born from big feelings—anger, joy, heartbreak, euphoria. I don’t do anything halfway. I love hard, feel deeply, and live loudly. That intensity and emotional honesty, I think, is part of what makes my work and my story unique.

It hasn’t been easy. Not at all. I’ve juggled motherhood, creativity, and the chaos of working-class life. I’ve had to be wildly persistent. I wasn’t the most talented in any of my classes growing up—not by a long shot—but I kept going. That’s the difference. I didn’t give up. I couldn’t. I’ve tried doing “normal” jobs, but they left me feeling numb, like I was wasting my life helping someone else get richer. I didn’t want that. I wanted to build something for me.

I’ve lived broke. I’ve coppered up pennies and survived off nothing. And honestly? That doesn’t scare me. Being working-class prepares you for that kind of grind. You figure it out. You push through. Because deep down you know your time is precious, and you don’t want to waste it.

Right now, I feel like I’m standing on the edge of something big—something brilliant. I’m full of ideas, and I’m ready to bring them to life. I want to run community workshops that make creativity feel accessible, not intimidating. I want to explore design, collaborate with others, and let my creativity spill into new spaces. I don’t have a five-year plan—I’ve got a book full of dreams and I’m slowly but surely ticking them off.

People often ask why I’ve “made it” and others haven’t. Truth is, I haven’t “made it.” I’m just still here, still trying. Still coming back, again and again. I’ve had breaks, setbacks, doubts—but like any great love story, I always find my way back to the thing I love. I’ve learned not to dilute myself. I’ve learned to love the parts of me that are “too much”—too loud, too emotional, too messy. Because those parts are also my magic.

One of my biggest challenges has been silencing my inner critic. That voice has always been harsher than anything the outside world could throw at me. But in my hitting my 30s this year, I’m finally learning to love myself loudly. And that scares people. Society doesn’t know what to do with a woman who loves herself fully—because you can’t sell her something she doesn’t need. She’s already whole. And that’s powerful.

So, what do I want the world to know? That working-class people matter. That women matter. That mothers matter. Our stories are sacred, and my art is a reflection of that truth. I want people to live loud, laugh louder, and love themselves hardest of all. Life’s too precious to do anything but live BIG.

And if you ever find yourself wondering “why me?”—flip the script and ask, “why not me?” Look at the world, crazy stuff happens everyday, you following your dreams isn’t as impossible as you think it is in comparison.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Where to Stay
Art B&B – The Groove Room
Kick off your stay in my personal room at Art B&B: a bold, 70s feminist dreamland. It’s more than a bed for the night—it’s a creative haven right on the prom. Ideal for getting ready, winding down, and soaking up that authentic Blackpool magic.

Fun Things To Do
Tower Ballroom Afternoon Tea – Sip tea and eat cake under actual chandeliers. The glamour! The history! The Strictly vibes! It’s a must to awe at the architecture and bask in the elegance of one of Blackpool’s crown jewels.

Walk the Promenade – Glitter Ball to Sea Life – Take a stroll along the seafront, from the iconic Glitter Ball all the way to the Sea Life Centre. Take in all the seaside sculptures, the sea air, and the nostalgic beauty of the promenade.

Get a Tattoo – Head to Red Fer Tattoo Studio and get a little ink to remember the trip by. Something fun, meaningful—or just chaotic. Perfect souvenir.

Roller Skate Sessions – Whether you’re a total newbie or a skate queen, hit Ralph House or Stanley Park with your roller boots for a fun and freeing session.

Alternative Fitness Fun – If we’re feeling brave (and fierce), I’d take you to Kelly Alemi Fitness for a pole fitness or aerial hoop class. These workouts are mad fun, super empowering, and give your confidence a mega boost.

Arcades & Piers – We’d be diving into the 2p slots, chasing keyrings and cuddly toys, walking all three piers like true seaside royalty.

Charity & Vintage Shopping – We’d hit The Regent Vintage Hall and all the local chazza shops. I live for telling people I got a dress for £1.

Watch the Sunset on the Beach – Chips on the sand, wind in your hair, watching the sky turn pink and gold. Yes please.

Gigs & Nights Out – Live music at Bootleg Social (Blackpool’s finest), dancing at Dirty Blondes, and a dash of wild-card energy at The Galleon.

Sea Glass Hunting – Quiet beach walks collecting tiny treasures from the tide. Calming and creative.

Places to Eat & Drink
Hive – Dreamy brunch spot with a buzzing community vibe.

Last Light – Another solid breakfast/lunch hangout with good coffee and even better vibes.

Abingdon Street Market – Amazing food hall with loads of vendors—perfect for picky eaters or indecisive mates.

Cottage Chippy – Iconic. No trip to Blackpool is complete without a cone of chips here.

Fat Man Corner – Legendary post-night-out hangover cure. Park up and feast.

Stefani’s Pizzeria – Family-run, authentic, and lush. Can’t go wrong here.

Places to Visit & Hang Out
Aunty Social – Pick up prints, zines, cards and more from local creatives. A true gem of the indie scene.

The Grundy Art Gallery – Always worth a visit to support the local art scene and get inspired.

Stanley Park – Walk, feed the ducks, grab a coffee, enjoy entertainment at the bandstand or just chill in the sun.

Winter Gardens, The Tower & Comedy Carpet – Blackpool’s beautiful historic buildings and public art spots. All jaw-dropping in their own ways.

Notarianni’s Ice Cream – Classic. Nostalgic. Delicious. Trust me.

Funny Girls & Queer Bars – For a wild night full of sparkle, drag, camp energy and unforgettable memories. Blackpool’s queer scene is unmatched.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, so many people. First off, I’ve got to give massive props to my parents. They were always super laid-back and chilled, and just let me be who I am. They gave me the space and freedom to explore whatever I wanted, and honestly, that kind of support is huge—it gave me the confidence to really go after what I love.

Then there’s my teachers. My high school art teacher, Miss Lees, was an absolute dream. I basically lived in that classroom—I’d be in there at lunch, after school—I just loved being surrounded by supplies, ideas, and creativity. And she was such a joy to be around, so encouraging.

In sixth form, my graphics teacher Gemma completely changed the game for me. She taught me everything I know about graphic design. I didn’t even know it was a thing until college, and now it’s my career—that’s wild. She gave me all the tools I needed to not just survive in this field, but thrive.

And I can’t talk about my journey without shouting out Corrine Streely—my fairy godmother! She’s a close family friend and an incredible artist—like, a proper painter and sculptor, insanely talented. Her work fills my parents’ house, and I’ve looked up to her for as long as I can remember. I did my work experience in her studio, worked for her a few years ago, and she’s always believed in me. She was one of the first people to really see something in me and tell me I was good. During lockdown, she let me use her studio for exhibitions—for free—and that was a huge turning point. Having that space, that kind of freedom, and her trust meant everything. Every show I did there was a success, and those moments helped establish me as a real creative in my own right.

And finally, my community. I can’t say enough about how important my roots are. I’m from Blackpool—a small, working-class town that often gets a bad reputation—but we’re a proud bunch. Everyone here is working so hard to uplift the town and each other, and that sense of local pride and support has been such a big part of my journey. I carry that with me in everything I do.

Instagram: @grumpygirlgraphics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grumpygirlgraphics/?locale=en_GB

Image Credits
photos taken by @ jackrtowers_photo