Illustrator, story teller, memory keeper

Hi, I’m Claire - a 40 something year old woman who lost her identity after living a life doing the things she thought she “should” be doing instead of doing the things that lit her up.

When I was a bright-eyed teenager, I left college with a skip in my step, about to embark on an illustration degree. I dreamed of illustrating children’s books, painting large murals and filling my life with creative goodness. However, just one semester in, I quit. I was swallowed by self doubt, thinking I wasn’t good enough. People told me it was just a hobby, it wasn’t a professional path, and I’d never make a living from art.

Twenty year (and a lot of grief, trauma and exhaustion) later, I suffered with burnout. I was constantly sad. I lacked motivation. My body physically ached. I was living a half life. Teacher. Trauma survivor. Quitter. That couldn’t be my story. At an all time low. I decided enough was enough, and I started to piece myself back together. I picked up my pencils and began to draw the sadness, how I felt, what hurt me, until I could dream up another life story. One that brought me joy. One that lit me up. One that felt like me. One sketch at a time until I started to draw the things that inspired me, the things I loved, the things my soul craved.

And oh boy, did the joy return!

Now I spend my days walking, being inspired by the world around me and illustrating the things that make life magical - love, laughter, connection and precious moments.

What are your precious moments?

Maybe that time you went trekking around Paris with your bestie to find that world famous patisserie, only to discover it was sub par. Maybe it’s that once in a lifetime road trip you took on your honeymoon. Maybe it’s as simple as that cake you made with your little one when more batter ended up in their mouth than in the cake tin!

Whatever your precious moments, I will gently take them and turn them into illustrated keepsakes that you can cherish for a lifetime.