Frances Quinn - Creative Consultant

consultant

Consultant

working across design, food & visual storytelling

working across design, food
& visual storytelling

About

I’m a creative consultant whose work combines a strong design aesthetic with culinary creativity, generating ideas that re-imagine what food can be. Balancing imagination with a clear strategic focus.

It was this distinctive approach that made my work stand out and saw me win The Great British Bake Oﬀ.

Before food became my primary focus, I trained in Textile Design, specialising in print and illustration and worked across the creative industries in the UK and Canada. Today, I collaborate with brands and organisations including Fortnum & Mason, M&S, Cadbury, Yeo Valley, Sipsmith, Tate, The Design Museum, Sony Music and the BBC. I am also the author of Quinntessential Baking, published by Bloomsbury.

I approach food as a creative medium. One that sparks surprise, inspires fresh thinking and brings products and campaigns to life in unexpected ways.

Get in touch

What I do

My work spans concept, innovation and creative execution.

Concept & Campaign Development: Generating original ideas for product launches, brand storytelling and multi-channel campaigns.

Product & Flavour Innovation: Developing recipes, conducting recipe testing and both creating and refining product concepts aligned with a brand’s identity.

Brand Identity & Illustration: Creating visual identities, bespoke illustrations and design-led concepts that shape how brands are seen, experienced and understood.

Visual Storytelling & Edible Art: Bringing ideas to life through food styling and edible installations for photography, film, campaigns, events and editorial work.

Creative Direction & Collaboration: Working alongside innovation and marketing teams as a creative catalyst to shape distinctive concepts and products from early ideation through to launch.

The format changes from project to project, but the intention remains the same: to create work that sparks joy, emotion and connection.

Work with Me

Approach

My approach is design-led, collaborative and hands-on.

Visual Thinking: I adopt a visual approach, through research, sketching and mood boards – shaping ideas early and helping brands see their products in new ways.

Embedded Collaboration: I can work alongside in-house teams, joining projects at any stage, from early ideation or moments where a fresh perspective is needed.

Creative Execution: I produce work that is considered and distinctive, while also grounded in a clear creative and strategic purpose. Whether contributing behind the scenes or leading the creative direction in house.

Every project begins with curiosity and ends with something people remember.

Let’s create

Clients

Portfolio

Case studies

creative Cakes

Colour, texture, petals and pearls and a whole lot of joy in one bake 🌈

This cake was created for Gill, a truly special friend of my partners family, who’ve also become like family to me. It needed to make its way down to Herefordshire during Storm Claudia, a technical challenge in itself! But I’m delighted to say it survived the journey and was both a surprise and a delight for Gills birthday celebration🤗

Inside: lemon and vanilla sponge with Chantilly lemon cream, plus layers of raspberry and clementine jam — bright, fresh flavours to match the colours on the outside. An experiment in colour play and composition via cake🎂🍊🌸🍋🌿 #cakeportfolio

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Open post by frances_quinn with ID 18051692921352663

Colour, texture, petals and pearls and a whole lot of joy in one bake 🌈

This cake was created for Gill, a truly special friend of my partners family, who’ve also become like family to me. It needed to make its way down to Herefordshire during Storm Claudia, a technical challenge in itself! But I’m delighted to say it survived the journey and was both a surprise and a delight for Gills birthday celebration🤗

Inside: lemon and vanilla sponge with Chantilly lemon cream, plus layers of raspberry and clementine jam — bright, fresh flavours to match the colours on the outside. An experiment in colour play and composition via cake🎂🍊🌸🍋🌿 #cakeportfolio

Chocolate & Peanut Galaxy Cake 💫

A cake created for my lovely friend @chloeruth85 surprise birthday via a design I’ve had in my head for a little while now, finally brought to life ✨

Chloe loves all things chocolate (especially all things Galaxy 🤎) and peanut butter, so the cake itself was made up by three layers of rich chocolate sponge, sandwiched with a DIY @manilife_ peanut butter fudge ganache and covered in whipped chocolate buttercream.

The decoration became my way of turning confectionery into jewellery and gems, something I’ve wanted to explore for ages. Squares of @galaxyuk milk chocolate, Minstrels and Counters were set like edible stones, with peanuts acting as more gems and accents. My favourite metallic sprinkles from @happysprinkles_official added the final sparkle, catching the light like little treasures.

I made it while listening to the new @taylorswift album and by the time it was finished, I had a whole playlist of new cake and bake ideas inspired by this method…💡

I’d love to know, which track from ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ you’re loving most and which chocolate or sweet should I transform next?!💎🍬

#ChocolateCake #PeanutButterCake #EdibleArt #CakeDesign #CreativeBaking #CakeInspiration #BakingAndDesign #EdibleJewels #ConfectioneryArt #TheArtOfCake
#BakingPlaylist #taylorswiftbakes
#cakeportfolio

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Chocolate & Peanut Galaxy Cake 💫

A cake created for my lovely friend @chloeruth85 surprise birthday via a design I’ve had in my head for a little while now, finally brought to life ✨

Chloe loves all things chocolate (especially all things Galaxy 🤎) and peanut butter, so the cake itself was made up by three layers of rich chocolate sponge, sandwiched with a DIY @manilife_ peanut butter fudge ganache and covered in whipped chocolate buttercream.

The decoration became my way of turning confectionery into jewellery and gems, something I’ve wanted to explore for ages. Squares of @galaxyuk milk chocolate, Minstrels and Counters were set like edible stones, with peanuts acting as more gems and accents. My favourite metallic sprinkles from @happysprinkles_official added the final sparkle, catching the light like little treasures.

I made it while listening to the new @taylorswift album and by the time it was finished, I had a whole playlist of new cake and bake ideas inspired by this method…💡

I’d love to know, which track from ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ you’re loving most and which chocolate or sweet should I transform next?!💎🍬

#ChocolateCake #PeanutButterCake #EdibleArt #CakeDesign #CreativeBaking #CakeInspiration #BakingAndDesign #EdibleJewels #ConfectioneryArt #TheArtOfCake
#BakingPlaylist #taylorswiftbakes
#cakeportfolio

A fresh floral twist on the classic princess cake 🌸

I made this for a summer event with @bloomandco and alongside the main cake, created an assortment of cupcakes. Rather than the traditional marzipan rose, I topped both the Princess cake with a fresh rose and flowers from the wonderful @livscottflowers It felt like such a lovely way to bring something a bit unexpected to a timeless bake.

Since then, it’s sparked a few more ideas for reimagining the princess cake✨ It really does make a beautiful centrepiece for weddings, christenings or birthdays.

Have you ever tried one? Or is it still on your cake wish list?💖

#PrincessCake #BespokeBakes #FloralCupcakes #EnglishGardenBakes #cakeportfolio

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A fresh floral twist on the classic princess cake 🌸

I made this for a summer event with @bloomandco and alongside the main cake, created an assortment of cupcakes. Rather than the traditional marzipan rose, I topped both the Princess cake with a fresh rose and flowers from the wonderful @livscottflowers It felt like such a lovely way to bring something a bit unexpected to a timeless bake.

Since then, it’s sparked a few more ideas for reimagining the princess cake✨ It really does make a beautiful centrepiece for weddings, christenings or birthdays.

Have you ever tried one? Or is it still on your cake wish list?💖

#PrincessCake #BespokeBakes #FloralCupcakes #EnglishGardenBakes #cakeportfolio

Earlier this month I had the joy of creating this wedding cake for Matilda & Henry. They wanted something natural and magical and their daughter had one special request…that it be unicorn-themed🦄. Hence the pastel details, buttercream ruffles, and the unicorn perched proudly on top. Enhanced by the most beautiful flowers provided by their florist @garden.stories13 🌺

Inside, three tiers of flavour: lemon sponge with blackcurrant & raspberry filling, rich chocolate and a brown sugar sponge, all wrapped in vanilla buttercream.

It was a hot, hot day in the marquee, but the cake thank fully survived on the cake stand and signature tree trunk! I loved assembling and decorating it while hearing the ceremony take place in the background. Such a special moment for a very special cake and celebration 💖

#WeddingCake #UnicornCake #MagicalWedding #ButtercreamCake #FloralCake #WeddingInspo #CakeInspiration #WeddingDetails #WeddingSeason #WeddingStyle #CakeDesign #WeddingFlorals #CreativeCake #FairytaleWedding #CakesOfInstagram #cakeportfolio #weddingcakeportfolio

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Earlier this month I had the joy of creating this wedding cake for Matilda & Henry. They wanted something natural and magical and their daughter had one special request…that it be unicorn-themed🦄. Hence the pastel details, buttercream ruffles, and the unicorn perched proudly on top. Enhanced by the most beautiful flowers provided by their florist @garden.stories13 🌺

Inside, three tiers of flavour: lemon sponge with blackcurrant & raspberry filling, rich chocolate and a brown sugar sponge, all wrapped in vanilla buttercream.

It was a hot, hot day in the marquee, but the cake thank fully survived on the cake stand and signature tree trunk! I loved assembling and decorating it while hearing the ceremony take place in the background. Such a special moment for a very special cake and celebration 💖

#WeddingCake #UnicornCake #MagicalWedding #ButtercreamCake #FloralCake #WeddingInspo #CakeInspiration #WeddingDetails #WeddingSeason #WeddingStyle #CakeDesign #WeddingFlorals #CreativeCake #FairytaleWedding #CakesOfInstagram #cakeportfolio #weddingcakeportfolio

I had the absolute joy of creating this cosmic cake for Ziggy’s first birthday — commissioned by his lovely parents Zeena & Zach. The flavour was a three-layer brown sugar and vanilla sponge, filled with raspberry jam and layered with vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream.

The outside was decorated in a blue night-sky Swiss meringue buttercream, scattered with piped royal icing stars, sprinkles, edible planets, mini disco balls, and finished with a hand-painted rocket inspired by the beautiful invite design @heartzeena had created for the party. It was a total treat to bring it all to life, from the moodboard to the finished cake 🎂

The party itself was full of joy, colourful garlands, party hats, the loveliest touches everywhere. Have Zach @paperandwood_ to thank for capturing such brilliant photos 📸 Including the one of me chatting to one of Zeena’s sister and sharing my favourite London bakeries. I think if you zoomed in enough, the photo on my phone would show the @aromebakerylondon honey butter toast masterpiece!

So much love and creativity went into this celebration — Happy 1st birthday Ziggy, you are a real little superstar ⭐️🚀

#1stBirthday #BirthdayCake #CreativeCakes #SpaceCake #RocketCake #GalaxyCake #CakeInspo #CelebrationCake #LayerCakeLove #SwissMeringueButtercream #PlanetCake #EdibleArt #OuterSpaceParty #PartyInspo #ZiggysFirstBirthday #BespokeBakes #CakeDesign #CakeDecorator #PartyDetails #QuintessentialBaking #cakeportfolio

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Open post by frances_quinn with ID 18354045271156381

I had the absolute joy of creating this cosmic cake for Ziggy’s first birthday — commissioned by his lovely parents Zeena & Zach. The flavour was a three-layer brown sugar and vanilla sponge, filled with raspberry jam and layered with vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream.

The outside was decorated in a blue night-sky Swiss meringue buttercream, scattered with piped royal icing stars, sprinkles, edible planets, mini disco balls, and finished with a hand-painted rocket inspired by the beautiful invite design @heartzeena had created for the party. It was a total treat to bring it all to life, from the moodboard to the finished cake 🎂

The party itself was full of joy, colourful garlands, party hats, the loveliest touches everywhere. Have Zach @paperandwood_ to thank for capturing such brilliant photos 📸 Including the one of me chatting to one of Zeena’s sister and sharing my favourite London bakeries. I think if you zoomed in enough, the photo on my phone would show the @aromebakerylondon honey butter toast masterpiece!

So much love and creativity went into this celebration — Happy 1st birthday Ziggy, you are a real little superstar ⭐️🚀

#1stBirthday #BirthdayCake #CreativeCakes #SpaceCake #RocketCake #GalaxyCake #CakeInspo #CelebrationCake #LayerCakeLove #SwissMeringueButtercream #PlanetCake #EdibleArt #OuterSpaceParty #PartyInspo #ZiggysFirstBirthday #BespokeBakes #CakeDesign #CakeDecorator #PartyDetails #QuintessentialBaking #cakeportfolio

A Delft-dream birthday cake for the wonderful @naomidenziloe 30th @oslocourt 🎀 Inspired by the restraunts interior and beautiful blue and white ceramic horse that took centre stage, I hand painted a giant fondant bow to echo its intricate pattern. Complete with edible pearls, fresh pink roses and a touch of theatrical flourish. Inside, three layers of vanilla sponge, sweetened mascarpone cream, raspberry jam and pink buttercream. A cake fit for a queen and a truly special celebration 🎂

#BirthdayCake #30thBirthday #CakeArt #DelftInspired #FondantBow #CustomCakes #VanillaSponge #CakeDesign #OsloCourt #MascarponeFilling #FloralCake #FrancesQuinnCakes #EdibleArt #CelebrationCake #cakeportfolio

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Open post by frances_quinn with ID 18072093685886716

A Delft-dream birthday cake for the wonderful @naomidenziloe 30th @oslocourt 🎀 Inspired by the restraunts interior and beautiful blue and white ceramic horse that took centre stage, I hand painted a giant fondant bow to echo its intricate pattern. Complete with edible pearls, fresh pink roses and a touch of theatrical flourish. Inside, three layers of vanilla sponge, sweetened mascarpone cream, raspberry jam and pink buttercream. A cake fit for a queen and a truly special celebration 🎂

#BirthdayCake #30thBirthday #CakeArt #DelftInspired #FondantBow #CustomCakes #VanillaSponge #CakeDesign #OsloCourt #MascarponeFilling #FloralCake #FrancesQuinnCakes #EdibleArt #CelebrationCake #cakeportfolio

Get in Touch

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A truly special moment from the other night at @rutlandnursery reuniting with @damemaryberry my judge on The Great British Bake Off all those years ago.

The evening was celebrating the launch of Mary’s first gardening book, ‘My Gardening Life’ and the nursery was completely packed for the event, brimming with admiration and warmth.

I had the honour of surprising Mary with an early birthday cake after a very entertaining in conversation with @seewhygarden She remains as sharp, generous and stylish as ever and I was genuinely touched that she not only remembered me, but even recalled my parents’ bookshop. A detail that was made even more special as my mum, who is a big fan of gardening and Mary, was there with me on the night 😊

She also asked if I’d grown again… the height difference clearly still noticeable😄Mary, you are a constant inspiration and it was a privilege to bake for you again🥰 🎂 🐝

Thank you @vezjarvis @lucyyoungthecook for capturing such memorable moments from a wonderful night ✨

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This weeks #FrancesFridayFavourites ♥️

1. Gradient Dominoes @blockdesign
2. Colourful locker joy @mustardmade
3. Great biscuits, dunkers and branding @coffeedunkers
4. Isla Deft blue heart jumper @boden
5. Home: How to love it, live in it and find joy in it by India Knight, published by @penguinukbooks

🎧 Easy to Love @jrakz @tromcf

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Introducing my Pretzel Hungry Heart Cake 🥨

Cake
150g salted butter, roughly chopped
150g golden caster sugar
150g golden syrup
150g dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
150ml milk
1 tsp coffee
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or extract
3 eggs
3 tbsp cocoa powder
150g self raising flour

CHANTILLY CREAM
300ml double cream
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
1 tbsp icing sugar

GANACHE
150ml double cream
150g dark chocolate
150g salted caramel

Packet of pretzel hearts @lidlgb to decorate.

DECORATION
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
Put the butter, sugar and golden syrup into a saucepan.
Set the saucepan over a medium heat and warm, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Pour in your milk and coffee and mix together.
This will also help cool down the mixture slightly. Pour into the bowl of a stand mixer or separate bowl and leave to cool fully. Break the eggs into a mug or jug, add the vanilla and beat together with a fork. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, add in the eggs and beat with the whisk attachment or hand held electric whisk to fully combine. Finally, sift the cocoa powder and flour into the mixture, beating until everything is well combined and no flour is visible in the wet, smooth batter. Pour into a greased and lined deep 20cm heart tin or one or two shallow heart moulds or tins, in two batches if necessary. Bake for approx 25-45 mins depending on the depth of your tin and until a knife or skewer pushed into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

While the cakes baking make the ganache by putting the cream and chocolate into a heatproof bowl, bain marie style and melt over a low to medium heat. Ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Once the chocolate has melted, stir to combine and leave to cool.

Whip the cream, vanilla and sugar together and fill the cooled cakes (cut in half if necessary)with. Cover the top and sides with half of the ganache mixture before beating in the caramel and covering the rest with it. Decorate with the pretzel hearts 😘 #cakeportfolio

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#FrancesFridayFavourites 💖 Phone Case Edition!

After all the talk on stories about phone cases (thanks so much for all your recommendations 🙏) I thought I’d pull together a little edit of the ones I’ve been looking at and loving.

From clear cases you can personalise with photos and , keepsakes, to bold pattern, neon colour-blocking and playful MagSafe add-ons.

I’ve tagged and linked all the brands featured, in case you’re also mid–phone case indecision!

Would love to know your favourites and where you’ve found great cases too. Feel free to add any favourites below for myself and other people to reference.

I haven’t quite made my mind up yet, but definitely drawn to a neon and the Crayola one might just be speaking to my younger creative self 😂🎨

1. Crayola @get.casely @crayola_uk
2. Personalize note @get.casely
3. The best case collab @jasminedowling @thedairy
4. Burgundy Bow pillow case @casetify_uk
5. Gingham stripe @skinnydiplondon
6. Black & white stripe @narnstudio
7. Personalized initial @thedairy
8. Painted lemons @burgaofficial
9. Spicy🌶️ @thedairy
10. Blue painted stripe @skinnydiplondon
11. Stars @katefoxdesign x @skinnydiplondon
12. Hot pink @get.casely
13. Neon yellow silicone @apple @johnlewis
14. A selection of colour block favourites
15. Clear case @spigenuk
16. Clear mag safe @casetify_uk
17. Colour pop magsafe sticky’s @casetify_uk

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A little colour play in the kitchen… all inspired by Portmeirion 🌈

I picked up a mix of simple glass jars with bamboo lids, easy to find online or in most homeware shops and gave them a quick refresh. It’s a really simple DIY that works with any palette and any size jars.

1. Lightly sand the bamboo lids to remove the varnish and create a better surface to paint onto.
2. Add a quick coat of primer, I used one from @zinsseruk so the colours sit smoothly and stay vibrant.
3. Paint in your chosen shades. I used a mix of @duluxheritage tones, from soft pastels to deeper, richer hues in an eggshell finish.
4. Leave to dry thoroughly before filling and styling.

It’s such an easy way to bring some colour and coherence to shelves, larders or worktops. Making ingredients easier to spot and reach for when cooking or baking.

It’s also a really lovely project for this time of year and into the new year… whether you’re reorganising your kitchen or creating personalised, colourful gifts for Christmas.

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Last Sunday we had a little wander around the wonderful Hay-on-Wye and I came away feeling so inspired by all the colour, curation and creativity tucked into every corner. So for this week’s #francesfriday Favourites, I thought I’d pull together some of the things that really caught my eye.

From stacks of beautifully bound books to gradients of candles, inks and cushions, it felt like the perfect place to start gathering ideas for Christmas gifting (and self-gifting… always allowed!)

I’ve tagged all the designers, makers, publishers and authors in each photo so you can easily explore anything that catches your eye.

Just a few of my favourites✨

📚 Colour in Design, Home by India Knight, Hockney and the loveliest children’s titles. From Moomins to Pancakes 🥞 Hay’s bookshops never disappoint, especially @richardboothsbookshop

🎨 Gradient towers of blocks, Tom’s Studio inks and so much more in stationery heaven @bartrumsandco

🌈 Rows of colourful tapers, the best-smelling candle @cotebougiemarrakech (still thinking about it) and striped cushions I can’t stop picturing in our living room. So many things and more @theoldelectricshop

🧤 The softest fingerless gloves in the perfect green.

🍪 Salted butter @coffeedunkers Their packaging and flavours are 🙌

✨Mug dreams courtesy of @musango_ideas

☕️ Coffee information & inspiration thanks to @jimseven book and floral design delights @laylarobinsondesign 💐

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 A little Welsh flavour from @halenmon and @bartirum ♥️

Hay-on-Wye really is a treasure trove — and if you’re on the lookout for unique stocking fillers or just a burst of colour inspiration, it’s well worth a visit. ✨

I’ve tagged all the designers, makers, publishers and authors in each photo so you can easily explore anything that catches your eye.

And although we didn’t make it there this time @shepherdsicecream is also well worth a visit for really delicious and interesting ice-cream flavours🍦

Let’s Connect

Contact

I work with brands, agencies and organisations seeking creative clarity, strategic thinking and design-led food innovation.

Whether you have a single brief or require long-term collaboration I’d love to hear about your project. If you’d like to explore working together, please get in touch.

Email: hello@francesquinn.co.uk