Hello, I'm Vanessa, an illustrator, storyteller and collector of curious ideas, based in Lancashire in the North West of England.

With a background in graphic design and many years spent teaching and encouraging creativity in others, I've always been fascinated by the relationship between words, pictures and the stories we tell. My own creative practice has increasingly led me towards illustration, where I can combine my love of drawing, storytelling, traditional craftsmanship and a healthy dose of mischief.

I'm currently studying for an MA in Illustration at Falmouth University, exploring the curious territory where folklore, childhood, humour and the slightly unsettling collide. I'm particularly interested in traditional cautionary tales, the psychology of storytelling and how familiar narratives can be reimagined for contemporary audiences.

My work is often playful, nostalgic and a little peculiar. I enjoy creating characters who aren't quite what they seem, experimenting with gouache, ink, collage, printmaking and digital techniques to bring their worlds to life. I love the imperfections of handmade artwork, the unexpected discoveries that happen through experimentation and the possibilities that emerge when words and images work together.

My current projects include The Curious Case of Muriel and the Bedbugs, an illustrated picturebook exploring mischief and consequences, and No Nonsense Tales for Naughty Know-It-Alls, a developing collection of darkly humorous cautionary rhymes for perfectly imperfect children.

Through my work, I hope to create stories that make people look twice, laugh at the unexpected and perhaps feel just a little uncomfortable in the most delightful way.

After all, the best stories aren't always the ones where everybody behaves themselves.