Illustrator, Author, Mother of Two

**Tell us about yourself**
When I was little, I desperately wanted to grow up to be an acrobat in a travelling circus—until I realised I had neither the elegance nor the flexibility required.
So instead, I focused on the things I *was* good at: drawing, painting, and dreaming up stories. I left school at 16 to for a full-time Art and design course, by then, there was nothing else I really wanted to do with my life.

I spent many years travelling the world, teaching English and living out of a backpack, but eventually, I came to realise I wanted to use my creativity for something meaningful.

I went on to study Illustration at Camberwell UAL, graduating with an MA in 2016—the same year I had my first baby. Balancing early motherhood with creating artwork in my chilly basement studio meant my career began at a gentle (and very sleep-deprived) pace.

Writing has always been a quieter passion of mine—I have stacks of notebooks filled with stories and characters waiting to find a home.

My first illustrated picture book, *A Hug for You*, was named A Post Irish Book of the Year in 2021. Since then, I’ve had the joy of creating books for children with the likes of Penguin, Scholastic, Oxford University Press, Tate Publishing, and Andersen Press.
My debut as an author, *Indigo Irvine*, was released this year by Tate Publishing, giving me a huge boost of confidence and a wave of inspiration to write even more. In the future, I want to create books that focus on community and connection, and encourage young readers to read.

“Ultimately, I hope the books I create help children feel seen, supported, and curious about the world they live in.”

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Ideas often come to me while I’m travelling—on a bus, train, or in a car. There’s something about watching the world rush by while I remain still that seems to spark my imagination. I also spend a lot of time observing people; I’ll see someone on the street and feel completely compelled to draw them. The best characters I've drawn are always based on real people. I also find inspiration in historical places or objects, they just fascinate me; I can spend hours exploring a good antique shop, or imagining what the streets looked like maybe 100 years ago.

Has having children informed or changed your career path?

Absolutely. I didn’t really know which area of illustration I wanted to pursue until I had my daughter. Reading picture books with her opened up a whole new world for me. I hadn’t realised before just how intricate and complex they can be. I love the way some of them handle really difficult themes, and the artwork really excited me. I love that picture books are often a child’s first introduction to art. I knew I wanted to be part of that world.

**You recently had a baby and have used your time differently - how has it been different with this baby than with your previous?**
I didn’t find becoming a mum for the first time particularly easy. I suffered a lot with my mental health, and really struggled through the first few years. There are nine years between my girls, and in that time I’ve built my career up from the ground. I feel more supported and stable now, so I’ve been able to enjoy the tiny baby stage more than I did previously.

I’ve actually been quite productive since she arrived; I work while she sleeps and give her my full attention when she’s awake. My partner steps in when I need longer stretches to focus on work.

I’ve also been going to baby groups this time around — something I never did with my first. And I live by the sea now, it’s really quite amazing how the sea air can clear your head, everything feels much more manageable when you feel supported and have a clear head.

Tell us something that is bringing you joy as a mother right now.

Watching the bond between the baby, my daughter and step kids growing stronger and stronger. My eldest is absolutely besotted with the baby and vice versa. Her little face lights up when her siblings come into the room. I’m excited to see how their relationship grows.

**What do you do for self-care?**
I swim in the sea!! I love how refreshing it is in the summer and how invigorating it is in the winter. It feels like the cold water completely resets my mind and body…and then there's tea and cake after to warm up. I love it!
**What are your morning routines like?**
I’m really not worth talking to until I’ve had a cup of tea, so that always comes first. If I’ve had a rough night with the baby, my partner helps with breakfast and the school run—unless he has to leave early for work.

I squeeze in a quick shower, washing while playing peekaboo with the baby sitting in her bouncer in the bathroom. After the school run, we have breakfast together. Mine is quick and simple, while hers is slow and usually quite messy.

She typically naps around 10/11, so as soon as she’s asleep, I get straight to work. The nap might last thirty minutes or two hours, and I never quite know which it will be, which makes me work very quickly.

What are some favorite items that you have purchased for yourself or your family recently?

It’s not very glamorous, but I recently treated myself to a hand blender. It’s probably my most used kitchen item right now with baby weaning in full flow.

**What are some local favorite outings and activities to do with your kids?**
*My eldest and I used to enjoy little sketch dates. We’d go to a cafe and draw people passing by or buildings outside the windows.*
*She loves to draw, so thats really lucky for me. It’s been a little more tricky to do that since baby arrived.*
*We’re really lucky to live in a seaside town, the beach is my favourite place to be in the summer and the winter.*

The kids like it more in the summer for obvious reasons but morning baby walks on the seafront are dreamy whatever the weather. We also love swimming, my eldest swims for our local swim team, and baby loves a good splash about.