When I look back on the past few years as an independent artist, I find it quite remarkable. I never really had a clear plan to become a botanical illustrator, despite art always being my greatest passion.

Art was my strongest subject at school, but like many people, life simply got in the way. Between building a career and raising a family, there was very little time to nurture my creativity.

Some people are fortunate enough to discover their calling early in life. I was quite the opposite! Funnily enough, many of my students only begin finding their true enjoyment much later in life too.

In this week’s blog, I wanted to share more about my journey to becoming a botanical artist, educator and author, with the hope that it inspires budding creatives who are looking for guidance and encouragement at the beginning of their own artistic journeys. 

Before Botanical Art 

For most of my working life, my career followed what many people would describe as a traditional path. Although art had always been my favourite subject growing up, I worked in corporate roles that left little time to develop my artistic skills or truly enjoy creative hobbies.

The only formal artistic training I undertook earlier in life was an Art and Design course in the early 2000s. Whilst I enjoyed it, it was a very different experience from botanical illustration and it didn’t yet become the passion it is today.

With three young children, finding a moment of peace to enjoy the meditative practice of art was almost impossible. I’m sure many of you can reading can relate… it was a very busy time in my life!

Around 2010, I discovered a love of graphite and began creating portraits of my children, a drawing of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, and a handful of commissioned portraits for clients. Looking back, these early drawings gave me confidence and left me wondering if I could develop my artistic abilities further.

By 2014, I began creating small pockets of time for myself, usually very early in the morning before everyone else was awake. Those quiet hours became my creative sanctuary. I immersed myself in learning about papers, paints, pens and a wide variety of artistic mediums, simply enjoying the process of discovering what suited me.

During this time, I also worked with design teams for mixed-media companies and developed a love for bullet journalling, something I found incredibly therapeutic. It was also around this time that I found the courage to start sharing my creativity on YouTube.

Discovering Botanical Illustration

In 2018, everything changed.

I discovered the work of botanical artist Billy Showell, whose beautiful paintings opened my eyes to an artistic world I never knew existed. To this day, her work continues to inspire me, and I can honestly credit her with igniting my passion for botanical illustration.

I was instantly hooked! Botanical art perfectly combined two things I loved most: flowers and realism. It quickly became an obsession, and I couldn’t stop painting.

Around this time, I also began sharing my learning journey on YouTube. What started as a way of documenting my own progress slowly grew into a wonderful community of artists learning alongside me.

Along the way, I have also been fortunate to receive encouragement and inspiration from many other wonderful artists. Alan Woollett gave me invaluable support when I struggled with coloured pencil application and seriously considered giving up. Ann Swan helped me gain a much deeper understanding of coloured pencil after completing my diploma in watercolour, while Bonny Snowdon introduced me to drafting film. I still love using this substrate today, particularly for animal portraits and fur textures. She has also been a joy to collaborate with, and I have been incredibly fortunate to feature as an Expert Artist in her academy.

Here is a sweet little mouse illustrated on drafting film! This one was a fantastic project to complete with my online students.

The Learning Process 

Like many artists, I relied heavily on online learning to build my knowledge of botanical illustration. Eventually, I felt ready to pursue a formal qualification.

When I discovered the Society of Botanical Artists Distance Learning Diploma Course, I knew it was the perfect fit. Studying remotely meant I could work around family life while continuing to develop my skills at my own pace.

Completing the diploma transformed my understanding of botanical art. Not only did it broaden my technical skills and artistic knowledge, but it also opened doors I never imagined possible. It eventually led to becoming an SBA Fellow, Tutor and now Co-President of the Society.

Take a look below at some of the artwork I completed during my time as a diploma student. I’d love to know which piece is your favourite in the comments!

Finding My Own Artistic Style 

Now, in 2026, I can look back and see just how much my work has evolved. Through years of learning, practising, experimenting and sharing my journey online, I feel I have found an artistic style that truly reflects who I am. Or at least for now?

That said, I still enjoy experimenting with other mediums and would encourage every artist to keep exploring. Every new experience teaches us something valuable and helps us continue growing creatively.

Today, my work focuses on capturing intricate botanical detail through coloured pencil and watercolour. Botanical illustration demands careful observation, patience and precision, qualities I have grown to love throughout my journey.

If you’re still searching for your own artistic style, my advice is simple: keep experimenting. Try different techniques, different mediums and different approaches. Over time, you’ll naturally discover what excites you most, and your own unique style will begin to emerge.

It’s also important to remember that artistic styles evolve. What feels right today may change in years to come, and that’s completely natural. Growth is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.

Turning My Passion Into a Career 

In 2021, I launched my online art school through Patreon. Since then, it has grown into a wonderful community of artists of all ages and abilities.

I’ll admit, sharing my artwork and teaching online was incredibly daunting at first. Like many artists, I questioned myself constantly.

What if nobody joins?

What if people don’t like my work?

Self-doubt is something almost every creative experiences.

What I’ve learned is that the right people will always find you. Some students stay for years, while others move on once they’ve achieved their goals. Both are wonderful outcomes.

Watching people grow in confidence, discover new skills and fall in love with art has become one of the most rewarding parts of my own creative journey. Being even a small part of someone else’s artistic story is a privilege I never take for granted.

Advice for Artists Beginning Their Journey

If you’re just starting out, these are the four things I hope you’ll always remember whenever you feel discouraged.

Never believe it’s too late

One of the most damaging assumptions is that there’s a perfect age to begin learning art.

To put things into perspective, I was in my thirties when my botanical art journey truly began!

Many of my colleagues and students didn’t discover their artistic passion until much later in life. Retirement, career changes or simply having more time often create the opportunity to finally explore creativity.

If you look back in ten years’ time, you’ll almost certainly wish you’d started today.

Give yourself permission to be a beginner

I’m a perfectionist by nature, and I’ve spent countless hours noticing tiny flaws that nobody else would ever see.

Learning any new skill can feel frustrating, especially when you’re comparing yourself to artists with decades of experience.

Remember that every accomplished artist was once a beginner. Mistakes are part of learning, and every drawing teaches you something new.

Know your value as an artist

Never underestimate the value of your work.

Art represents years of dedication, learning and practice. While not everyone will understand that, your time, knowledge and creativity deserve to be recognised and valued.

Don’t be afraid to charge fairly for your work.

Follow the path that feels right for you

This blog has been about my own journey, but your story will be completely different.

Whether you’re just leaving school, changing careers, raising a family or discovering art in retirement, there is no single route to becoming an artist. Trust your instincts, enjoy the process and allow your own path to unfold naturally.

I hope sharing my story has encouraged you to believe in your own potential. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that creativity doesn’t have a time limit.

Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the very first time or returning to art after many years away, every artist starts somewhere. You never know where that first step might lead.

I’d love to hear about your own artistic journey in the comments below.

If you’re ready to begin learning botanical art, I’d be delighted to welcome you into my Patreon community. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to develop your skills, there’s a place for you. Click here to learn how you can grow alongside a community of other learners.