A Bit About Me…

Hand Drawn Photo Illustrations

Hello, I’m Zara, and I’m self-taught illustrator. I have also always loved reading and writing my own stories, and my dream is to write and illustrate my own picture books. I am a natural storyteller, with a rich array of life experiences and insights to draw upon.

I trained as a Primary School Teacher and I have taught for over twenty years, in three different countries. I was born in Mauritius, but am from the United Kingdom. I have travelled widely as my dad was in the Navy (living in Australia during my childhood for two years). I have spent time living and teaching in both Malawi, and the U.S.A. I have also worked as a Forest School Leader for pre-school children.

I find inspiration for my illustrations from my past experiences as a teacher, from my childhood spent travelling with my family and from spending time in nature. My dream is to combine my illustration and ideas to create picture books for children.

Illustrated Family Memories

I now live on the south coast of England with my family (which includes twin sons, my partner Dave, two guinea pigs and a dog called Marple).The happiest family times are spent sharing a home cooked meal, or being outdoors together in nature.

I try and sketch daily and am always on the lookout for interesting ideas and images. I love to capture people, animals, nature and the antics of children. I think the best images can be found in the unexpected moments, when children are playing, or interacting with the world around them.

I have also taken The Good Ship Picture Book Course and learned some fantastic insights into the world of children’s picture books. The course enabled me to focus on developing my portfolio to create an imaginative variety of images, as well as meeting other like minded illustrators and gaining insights from their experiences and knowledge.

Custom Photo Illustrations
Illustrated Anniversary Gifts

I always loved drawing as a child, and I have rediscovered my passion and true calling for illustration and storytelling. 

When I was little my dad used to encourage me to create my own bedtime stories, by giving me a title and the first line. I always relished these opportunities to create characters and plot twists! I also used to draw and make my own little books (some of these I sold to raise money for the blind when I heard on Blue Peter about their campaign!).

Sketch Portrait From Photos
Hand-drawn Illustrations

I am a determined, resilient person, as well as a creative one. I have mobility issues and health challenges due to a neurological condition (hence the mobility aids I rely on and you might notice in photos of me). However, I feel this has given me more drive to show others all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

My empathy towards others informs my illustrations and allows me to have insight into how children with disabilities also feel every day. At times I lost confidence due to my disabilities but my art has provided a forum for me to build a sense of self and to realise that I have a creative mind and a skill to share. I truly find art to to be therapeutic.

Navigating life with a disability is also made possible, by my supportive family. And a sense of humour helps too (in the above photos I was sketching and being jumped over as a ‘hurdle’ by my dog’!).

Bespoke Illustrated Portraits

I am empathetic, sensitive soul who values creativity. I think this leads to illustrations which are reflective and often show the interplay between children, adults and the natural world. My illustrations show the innocence and joy that children find in the simplest things, as well as the limitless imaginative worlds they can so easily immerse themselves in.

My work has a nostalgic quality whilst also reflecting the modern world. Sometimes my illustrations quite simply show the importance of fun in the world of children (and adults), reflecting the daftness of life with a good dose of humour too.

Sketch Portrait From Photos
Illustrated Family Memories

I use both traditional methods such as watercolour, ink and gouache and am also incorporating digital sketches and illustrations, using Procreate.

In my freelance art I take family and portrait commissions, as well as personal projects. 

I am also creating some originals, prints and cards for an online shop- I will keep you posted!

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to commission me for a project or idea.