Working as a wildlife illustrator is a dream come true for me. Here are the top five reasons why I love my job:
1. A Bad Client Is Not A Client Of Mine
One of the biggest perks of being a wildlife illustrator and a freelancer is the flexibility and freedom to work on projects that truly align with my interests and values. When I worked as a designer in a printing company, I was always working on projects that I found boring or unimportant to me, sometimes also tolerating unnecessary rudeness from customers. Worse, some projects conflicted with what I believe is helpful for the world, whether that was due to the organisation or the content. Now, as a freelance illustrator, I choose to work with clients who are passionate about nature, conservation, and green practices. Whether it’s collaborating with nature reserves or councils promoting eco-friendly initiatives, each project is inspiring and exciting. I’m proud to shout about the work I do, the positive impact it has and to top it off, I don't have to tolerate nasty clients as I make the terms.
2. I Am Nature's Student
Illustrating wildlife means I’m constantly learning about the subjects I’m passionate about. As I work, I delve deeper into wildlife behaviour, conservation efforts, and the natural world so I can portray it correctly. I thought I knew a lot about wildlife, but each project teaches me something new—be it identifying features of bird feathers or a species/behaviour that I did not know about before. This continuous learning process keeps my work interesting and enriches my knowledge, which I can then pass on to others through my art.
3. Welcome To My Office: The Sofa
Gone are the days of being stuck in a stuffy office with no windows (which, honestly, killed my mental health and made me feel like I was exchanging hours of my life for rubbish pay). It is crazy how working in an office means spending so much time with someone else's family rather than your own, but now, I work from home, surrounded by my pets and partner. Whether I’m on the sofa or in the garden with a cat on my lap, I find that my creative juices flow best in a relaxed environment. The flexibility of my schedule means I can work late into the night if inspiration strikes or take a day off when I need a break. This freedom allows me to take holidays whenever I want and be more present in my personal life, all while maintaining a fulfilling career.
4. Why Is Everything Elephants and Flamingos?
I started on this journey as a wildlife illustrator to create products that I wanted but couldn’t find in the market. With most products featuring tropical species or the same countryside icons like the hare, puffin and pheasant - Which don't get me wrong I love and want to draw them too but in my product-based side of the business, I can focus on a variety of British wildlife that I love including those that are underrepresented. It means I have control over choosing materials that are better for the environment as well as picking the wildlife to draw and turn into products. This aspect of my job is my favourite, it allows me to merge my passion for illustration, wildlife, and sustainability, resulting in unique and meaningful products that resonate with like-minded people.
5. It's An Ego Boost
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing clients and customers enjoy my work. When someone recognises their favourite bird or animal in my illustrations, it reinforces why I do what I do. It feels surreal to be paid for something I enjoy so much, but the true joy comes from knowing that my art brings happiness to others and raises awareness about the beauty and importance of wildlife here in the UK. When clients come to me after seeing my work and want me to bring their vision to life, it is such an honour (especially when they are big names I pinch myself that they have seen my work), but hearing the feedback from their team or reading reviews from customers really brings it home that this is my work and I have done it well.
Interested in Becoming a Wildlife Illustrator?
If you’re thinking about becoming a wildlife illustrator, know that you don’t necessarily need a degree or professional training. I studied Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, which led me to a career in design at printing companies before I transitioned to illustration. My journey truly began during lockdown, when I experimented with digital illustration and found a medium I loved. Sharing my work on Instagram and selling on Etsy helped me build an audience and a successful career. Social media has been a crucial tool in my journey, and I believe it can be for you too. The first step is putting yourself out there.
Thanks For Getting This Far!
Curious about the projects I’ve worked on? Head over to my portfolio to read more about my journey, the unique wildlife I illustrate, and projects I have worked on for clients here.
