Illustrator and Science Communicator

For me, the marine environment is where science fiction meets reality: there is such a beautiful, fascinating alien quality about this largely undiscovered, unexplored and inaccessible world. In my early years I was full of curiosity about the natural environment; I spent much of my time outside and was always into encyclopaedias and science fiction. I felt drawn to visual displays of information – such as in National Geographic!

 I studied for a Bachelors degree in Marine Biology with Oceanography, at the University of Southampton, before spending a period of time working as an international guide for a marine mammal ecotourism company in the Arctic. This experience brought into sharp focus the many ethical and social issues associated with ecotourism. Out of this, I decided to follow a pathway that both gave me a voice and empowered me to convey messages – messages putting the spotlight on human relationships with nature - through a medium which supported my passion and my right to be expressive.

 I developed my skill set and vocational understanding by undertaking a Masters degree in Illustration, at Arts University Bournemouth, during which I focused on pairing science communication with marine biology. I have now been trading as an Artist for about two years, building up my business from scratch. It has been important for both my business and my work to develop a holistic skill set and an open-minded approach to people and opportunities. A further piece of advice for other creative communicators: be patient with yourself, and keep practising! 

 Two years in, I am able to showcase a growing portfolio of work from commissions with universities, organisations and environmental film and documentary makers, including Greenpeace UK, the World Wildlife Foundation and Oxford University. I am currently based by the sea in Falmouth, southwest England, where I allocate half of my time to illustrative works dealing with marine conservation and policy, and half to working as the creative director for the social cinema company 99p Films.

Key skills: curiosity, integrity, gratitude, entrepreneurship

  View CV here