What led you to become an illustrator and did you study illustration in college?I actually studied fashion textiles at the London College of Fashion. However, I didn’t stay in the fashion industry for long. I realized early on that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Toward the end of my degree, I started building an illustration portfolio and decided to take the plunge into freelance illustration about a year after graduating. Around that time, platforms like Instagram were gaining traction, which gave me an incredible opportunity to share my work with a broader audience. Without it, I think I would have struggled to gain exposure as quickly as I did.Where did you grow up?I was born in London but grew up in Reading. As soon as I had the chance to move back to London for university, I did! I love the energy of the city and its endless access to museums and galleries, which were a big inspiration for me. It felt big and ambitious and I craved that growing up so close to it.Do you have a childhood memory of drawing or art that you hold dear?It’s more of a story my mum loves to tell—when I was a toddler in a highchair, my grandmother (may she rest in peace), would always hand me a fresh piece of paper and a crayon to scribble with. My mum believes it was her mother who planted the seed for my creativity. Where do you live now, and what’s it like?I’m still in London and have been since university. I love that everything is at my fingertips—restaurants, live music, exhibitions, and more. That said, I’m planning to move to Tokyo this year. I’ve visited Japan five times, and Tokyo feels like another vibrant city that I’d love to experience on a deeper level.Can you describe your studio for us?My studio is in my London apartment. I swapped out a dining table for a massive desk overlooking my view of the canal—it’s perfect for sunny days. I’ve considered getting a separate studio, but I love the convenience of working from home too much to give it up.Who or what is your biggest inspiration?My inspiration comes from everywhere—Pinterest, people-watching, books (fiction, graphic novels, and children’s books), museums, and travel. My home reflects this; I collect books and trinkets from my travels and surround myself with things that spark creativity.If you could collaborate with any artist or creative, living or dead, who would it be?There are so many, but a collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki or David Bowie would have been incredible!What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?If it’s a sunny day, I’d start with a lazy morning—tea, breakfast, and an episode of a show I’m into. Then I’d hit the gym, get ready, and either meet my best friend or enjoy a solo date. I love visiting exhibitions, getting my nails done, or relaxing at a Japanese café with matcha, cake, and a good book.What causes are you passionate about?I’m deeply passionate about feminism and equal rights.Do you adopt any sustainable habits in your work or life?I recycle diligently and work from home to minimize my environmental footprint. I even skipped the idea of an external studio because I didn’t want to rely on transportation or add to London’s pollution.Do you collect anything?Yes! Trinkets from Japan, books, shoes, clothes, sunglasses, and lipstick. I’ve also collected records and retro gaming items in the past. Lately, I’ve tried to be more mindful of what I bring home, as my space is filling up! Maximalist girlie here, hello! What do you listen to when you work? It depends on my mood. If I need focus, I listen to lo-fi or Chad Lawson’s piano pieces. For energy, it’s often K-pop or K-R&B at the moment. Podcasts are another go-to, especially ones with storytelling elements like Uncanny Japan or Tales by Parcast. I’d also recommend Not Past It, Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley, Maintenance Phase, and Articles of Interest.Who is your art hero?I admire many people, but some standouts include Hayao Miyazaki, Takashi Murakami, and David Bowie.What’s your favourite book?The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro are two favourites.What movie can you watch over and over?Labyrinth, Hocus Pocus, Howl’s Moving Castle, The Princess Bride, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes are my go-to comfort films.What’s the last show you binged?Victoria on Netflix and now I am ravenously consuming the second season of Castlevania.What was the last exhibition you saw and loved?I’ve been slacking a bit on exhibitions in London since I was travelling in Japan at the end of last year, but while I was there, I visited the Studio Ghibli Museum (for the second time!) and the Snoopy Museum. I know a lot of these museums can be very 'photo-op' focussed, but honestly, I loved seeing all the original sketches. There’s just something so magical about peeking into an artist’s early process.What’s the last concert you attended?Patrick Wolf’s live performance with a string quartet in an East London church. It was absolutely beautiful—I cried.If you could visit anywhere, where would it be?Japan is always my top pick, but I’d also love to explore more of Asia and Italy—Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Florence are all on my list.Do you have any hidden talents or expertise?I’m studying Japanese and consider myself a good cook. I can whip up tasty meals without needing recipes?!If you could eat one type of food forever, what would it be?Probably sushi, or pasta. I’d never tire of either.If a client paid you enough money to take a year off and create whatever you want and brief no constraints what would you create to deliver?Oh, that’s a no-brainer—I’d create a graphic novel! I’ve made two smaller ones and self-published a handful of short stories, but it’s always been a big dream of mine to tackle something much longer. The challenge has always been balancing it with other work, so having a fully paid year to focus on just that? Absolute dream come true.Is there a type of job you haven’t done yet but would love to?Yes! I’d love to design book covers, alcohol/non-alcoholic beverage labels for example an organic wine company, something for a fashion house, or illustrations for a fancy perfume campaign. The list is endless honestly!How has your work practice evolved over time?My work has constantly evolved over the years, and it’s worlds apart from where I started as a freelancer. In the beginning, I worked mostly with traditional media, using fine-liners and mixed media to create fun little characters and print designs. Everything shifted when I bought my first iPad and started using Procreate—that’s when I really started to find my style. Over the past few years, my focus has moved towards landscapes and people, and I honestly can’t imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t made the switch to digital.What’s the most challenging part of being an illustrator?The quiet periods between projects and the isolation of working alone can be tough. Staying motivated often requires frequent self pep-talks.If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be?Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I didn’t study illustration, and it’s something I found my way to after trying a few other things. That said, I could see myself working as a jewellery designer or maybe even a fashion stylist.What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?“Cross that bridge when you come to it.” Also, always suggest a longer timeline than you think you’ll need—you’ll thank yourself later.What advice would you give your younger self?Focus on your own dreams instead of boosting others. Trust your gut, take risks, and don’t wait for validation—you’re more capable than you think.Any advice for aspiring illustrators?Make friends with other illustrators online via socials so you have trustworthy friends who understand what you're going through and can bounce ideas off of. Also, do your research on how to attract better clients. Platforms like the AOI or WIA are invaluable, and podcasts are a great way to learn and stay inspired.Can you share a playlist?I’m a chronic playlist maker, so feel free to dive into my Spotify account and have a rummage! Some people say sharing your playlists is like baring your soul, but honestly, I don’t mind at all.
