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. This is still very much true today.

 I studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology with Oceanography, at the University of Southampton, before spending a period of time working as an international guide for a whale-watching company in Iceland. 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 artistic science communication with marine biology. I have now been trading as an Artist for about three 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. I believe in being 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.

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