I recently had the pleasure of working on a Depop leadership gifting project, creating a series of bespoke artworks to mark the departure of two senior leaders. Depop wanted gifts that were personal, creative, and memorable — a way for the team to celebrate their leaders while leaving a lasting connection behind. This project was a perfect example of custom illustrated gifts for senior leaders in action.
Custom Converse for Exiting CEO
For Kriti Patel, the departing CEO, I designed a pair of personalised Converse. These shoes became more than footwear — they were wearable artworks.
- Icons and illustrations were carefully selected to reflect her leadership journey and personality.
- Each design was embroidered onto the shoes, blending illustration with craft.
- Hand-painted details added depth and individuality, making the Converse truly unique.
This approach transforms a conventional gift into something highly personal, creative, and memorable — a wearable tribute to her time at Depop.
Hand-Painted London Map for another Senior Leader
For the second departing leader, I created a hand-painted map of London featuring a phrase he often used.
- The map was painted at A1 scale, giving it presence and visual impact.
- Once complete, it was framed, making it a lasting memento.
- The artwork reflects his personality and journey at Depop, serving as a meaningful keepsake for his next chapter.
These gifts combine illustration with narrative, turning memories and leadership legacies into tangible, artistic forms.
Playful Stickers for the Team
In addition to the leaving gifts, I designed two stickers for the continuing Depop team:
- One was a banknote-style portrait of the team member.
- The other was a playful portrait referencing a famous figure, keeping the tone fun and celebratory.
These stickers are a playful extension of the gifting process, designed to maintain internal connection and team spirit.
Why Custom Illustrated Gifts for Senior Leaders Matter
Bespoke illustration elevates corporate gifting from the ordinary to the memorable. Custom illustrated gifts for senior leaders:
- Celebrate individual contributions in a personal and thoughtful way
- Create long-lasting, meaningful keepsakes
- Strengthen team connections and internal culture
- Allow for playful and creative expression that reflects the company’s ethos
This project was a wonderful reminder of how art can honour leadership. From embroidered Converse to hand-painted maps and playful stickers, each piece was carefully considered to celebrate personality, legacy, and team culture. Custom illustrated gifts for senior leaders can transform simple farewells into cherished memories — creative storytelling in tangible form.