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 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 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.

Over twenty years teaching has provided me with a wonderful array of experiences that I use in my illustration and a fantastic understanding of the lives of children. 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). I try and sketch daily and am always on the lookout for interesting ideas and images. I love to capture 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 love spending time with my family and being outdoors and have also worked as a Forest School Leader for pre-school children. My illustrations are inspired by my considerable experience and understanding of children. I learned all about children’s different personalities, their quirks and what makes them tick. This permeates both my story-telling and my illustrations equally.

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 a child 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 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 having a supportive family (my partner Dave is an essential and wonderfully supportive person). And a sense of humour helps too. Sketching with the company of my young English Shepherd isn’t always easy, as sometimes she tries to nuzzle in on my sketches, or as is the case here use me as hurdle practice!

Bespoke Illustrated Portraits

I have an enquiring, creative mind and am an empathetic, sensitive soul. 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

When I’m able to, I use every opportunity to sketch my family, friends, animals and natural surroundings. 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 challenges and projects. 

I am also have working on 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.