ABOUT | Art with Heather

welcome to the studio

LET'S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER

First day of
university - the
start of becoming
an illustrator

My story began when...

I decided on a creative career, or should I say, the creative career path chose me. I had other interests but there was no pulling away from what my heart wanted.

I have been exploring the world around me a little differently and through a creative lens as far back as I can remember. This all led me to eventually doing a diploma in Illustration and photography and later on completing my bachelor's degree in illustration.

My main focus has been on picture books and I have since completed a few books and excited to have more on the way. I also worked on a number of freelance projects and I have loved growing as an illustrator but I knew deep down that I wanted more. I wanted to continue learning and dive deeper into work that could help people.

I knew there was a way to combine everything I love.

I had to find it.

I wanted to make a difference.

It just wasn't quite enough to be doing art on my own when I knew how powerful and healing art could be. I wanted to connect with people and help people use art as a tool for self-discovery and healing. I wanted art to become a new language and tool to communicate, process and understand emotions and trauma, especially for people who find talking difficult (like I did).

We are all unique individuals and therefore we all need slightly different approaches or methods.

I've experienced this first hand and I knew I needed to help others and art therapy became a natural fit for me. I applied to a university in Australia with a top-notch master's degree programme so that I could start the journey to becoming a qualified and registered art therapist. In the meantime, until I am registered, I'm enjoying the experience of sharing non-clinical therapeutic art and creative workshops.