Leeds artist Josh Parkin creates unique range of Leeds United themed Valentine's Day cards

Josh Parkin, 30, has been a freelance illustrator for the last six years - working from a private studio in the city - having studied graphic arts at University in Liverpool.

The lifelong Leeds United fan often links up with huge brands for his work.

However, for Valentine's Day each year, Josh creates special cards using his signature style - lapped up by Leeds United fans across the city and beyond.

Josh told the YEP: "Each year I release one or two new Valentine’s Day cards for my followers to buy, offering something different to the usual card shop/ supermarket options.

"This year, I decided to up the ante, with seven new designs!

"Two of those designs are dedicated to Klich (Baby! We just Klich) and Lucas Radebe (When I am with you, there’s no place I’d Radebe!)

"I’ve never actually worked with Leeds United in any official capacity, but that is something that I would love to change in 2021."

Josh also decided to include charity work in his designs this year.

He added: "I decided I wanted to take it further, and create one for Sol Bamba, with the aim of raising money for lymphoma Action UK.

"The charity relies solely on public donations, receiving no government help at all.

"So, £1 from every card, and £5 from every print sale of the ‘I’m your Sol man! design will be donated to that charity."

Josh said the reaction to his cards has been "brilliant" on social media fans.

He said: "The national lockdown has definitely had an effect on how people shop.

"I find people are lot more willing to spend a little extra to support independent businesses like mine.

"Cardiff City’s official twitter account reposted the Sol Bamba design, generating a large amount of traffic to my site.

"I’m now waiting in hope that the Leeds United account will follow suit, because we all know that Leeds fans love to support one of our own through tough times."

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