By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The London Studio has appointed Jo Astles as its new artist and licensing development manager to aid the company’s ongoing expansion initiatives.
Formerly serving as a licensing professional at the Bright Agency, Astles has developed a comprehensive skill set throughout her career that includes creative design, business management and licensing expertise.
In addition to her time at Bright Agency, she previously held the role of creative manager for 15 years at The Original Poster Company.
As part of The London Studio team, Astles will use her skills and experience in art licensing and creative management to further expand the studio’s artistic endeavors and licensing business.
“The past year was a breakout one for The London Studio, with both in-house brands and partnerships like The Artists Collective securing growing interest from the greetings card and licensing trades,” said The London Studio director, Soula Zavacopoulos. “This has continued into 2025 with new territories, new deals and growing potential for the business as a whole. We now need to take the business to a new level and our new appointee Jo Astles has certainly hit the ground running,” added Zavacopoulos. “We’re delighted to welcome her on board as we build on the success of 2024. Expect even more announcements very soon!”
The company has had a productive first quarter in 2025, with new territory and partnership expansions planned for its Artists Collective community and its in-house brand portfolio.
The London Studio Artists Collective has extended its existing retail partnership with Ryman Design to include more in-store space and branded signage.
In addition, the Artists Collective has been slated to aid the growth of the personalised greetings card company, Mossy Frog, in Scandinavia through creative design services.
For The London Studio’s in-house brand portfolio, the company has secured licensing partnerships in the UK and international markets that includes categories such as diaries, calendars and more.
Based in the UK, The London Studio is an independent design house and artist representation company that develops branded lifestyle products and licensing collaborations.
In 2023 it formed the London Studio Artists Collective, a community that brings together, promotes and collaborates with a global network of independent artists.
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