When I first saw the photo of Sunday, I couldn't shake the image of her with a tiger padding along side her - a match for her fierce, independent little soul. Little did I know that Sunday and her tiger would be just the very start of a whole series of these illustrations.

And so it came to be that Robin sat painting in the jungle, watched over by her Jaguar, Elliott became part of a family of polar bears, just one of many incorrigible cubs climbing all over a mother bear trying to rest, Thomas swam and played amongst the otters, and baby Annabelle lay sweetly dreaming amongst a nest of little fawn.

How do I commission an illustration?

If you'd like to commission your own illustration, the easiest way to do so is to fill in my Illustration Inquiry form here:

Illustration Inquiries

You can also commission an illustration by visiting my etsy store and purchasing any one of my listings. However, you’ll notice these listing are more expensive than those posted here on my website. The price difference takes account for the (suprisingly significant!) fees that etsy takes on all listings.

My etsy store, where you can commission an illustration by clicking ‘Request Custom Order’

What happens when I've commissioned a piece?

Once you’re secured you place in my commission calendar, I’ll let you know when you can expect me to begin work on your piece. This will depend on how many illustrations I have in my lineup - around Christmas especially, this can get busy, so I always recommend getting in touch as early as possible if you have a specific occasion in mind!

When I’m ready to begin your illustration, I’ll ask you to share a selection of photos of the child or adult you'd like to be featured in the painting. We'll also have a chat and see if there is specific animal, environment or a favourite activity you'd like to see brought to life in the artwork.

If you have a specific direction you would like me to take with the illustration, please be very clear in this early conversation about what you have in mind. Once I've started researching and sketching up the illustration, you will only be able to make minor changes (e.g. adding a favourite pair of socks). Even though it may look quite basic, by the time you see the first sketch, I've already put in hours of my time to work through and plan all elements of the artwork (environment, colour palate, animal reference, child reference - and how they all fit together to create something joyful). The actual painting of the piece is only half the process.

When we're both clear on the initial idea, I'll get started researching and piecing together your piece. In one week, I will send you the version in pencil so you can check you're happy with the direction. This is your chance to make minor changes.

Once you've approved and are happy with the final composition, in the second week I will work on the ink and watercolour layers. Once these are complete, I will send a high resolution scan of the final illustration to approve. You'll get photos throughout the creative process as I love documenting each piece as it comes to life.

What reference photos should I share?

I like to see a few possible photos of the person who I am illustrating. Action photos of the child doing their favourite activity (painting, singing, skipping, reading, playing) are fantastic - these give me more scope to make the illustration personal and more engaging piece. It doesn’t need to be a great photo or have a nice background - I'm just looking at the child for so I can have a strong reference to work from.

The reference photos you share are really important - if you only have static images where your child is sitting, it does limit the scope of what I can illustrate. More dynamic, active reference photos mean I'll be able to create more interaction between the child and the animal which will hint at a bigger story going on behind the illustration - which means you're more likely to get a unique, very special piece of art inspired by your child. I have the most fun when I'm able to create something where you feel like you've caught them mid story and are left wondering what they're up to next.

Illustration Dimensions and Cost

The finished artwork is painted on thick, gorgeous Arches watercolour paper and comes in one size:

Wild Child Illustration: Paper size 31 x 41 cm | Painted area 29 x 29 cm | Price £125
Geometric Pet Illustration (example): 15.5cm x 23 cm | Price £60
Cute Couple Illustration (example): 18 x 26 cm | Price £60

The final piece comes unmounted. After our initial conversation, each piece takes 2-3 weeks to finish.

Why this size?

Having experimented with a number of sizes, I've settled on these sizes as far and above the best size for these detailed illustrations and easy mounting.

This size allows enough space for beautiful detail to be incorporated in the painting, and I've found that it is the small detail that really make an illustration personally special. For example, a special teapot was requested in a table in the background of one recent illustration!

It also is the ideal size to fit within a standard frame, which is helpful as a custom frame can be an expensive purchase. I personally love the Ikea Ribba 50 x 50 extra deep white frame (see below) for my wild children illustrations, as it's a simple, elegant frame that allows the illustration to shine.

If you would like a different size for a specific reason, please do let me know and we can discuss.

Commission Calendar 2023

Illustration is a much loved side project for me, alongside my full time work in wildlife conservation. To keep my creativity happy and this process enjoyable for me, I limit my commission calendar to a maximum of two Wild Child illustrations each month. Each piece takes me at least two weekends to complete - see below for more about the process of working with me.

To secure your spot in my commission calendar, you will need to complete my inquiry form and transfer the illustration fee, as I work my way methodically through pieces that have been booked. So please bare this in mind - if you are looking something by a specific date (Christmas especially, but also birthdays, special occasions), definitely get in way ahead of time.

Any other questions? Please get in touch!