Hi, I’m Heather. I’m an illustrator, children’s illustrator and graphic designer who recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in Graphic Design (Illustration) from De Montfort University. I have experience working with children’s book publishers, charities, and small companies, and I enjoy being creative in many ways including sewing, knitting and crocheting. I am a punctual team player capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, with skills in Adobe Creative Suite and traditional printing methods. I am passionate about working with clients and developing my craft further in illustration and design.

Heather Buchanan

Hi, I’m Heather. I’m an illustrator, children’s illustrator and graphic designer who recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in Graphic Design (Illustration) from De Montfort University. I have experience working with children’s book publishers, charities, and small companies, and I enjoy being creative in many ways including sewing, knitting and crocheting. I am a punctual team player capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, with skills in Adobe Creative Suite and traditional printing methods. I am passionate about working with clients and developing my craft further in illustration and design.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Heather. I’m an illustrator, children’s illustrator and graphic designer who recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in Graphic Design (Illustration) from De Montfort University. I have experience working with children’s book publishers, charities, and small companies, and I enjoy being creative in many ways including sewing, knitting and crocheting.

I am a punctual team player capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, with skills in Adobe Creative Suite and traditional printing methods. I am passionate about working with clients and developing my craft further in illustration and design.

See more

Language

Work Experience

Illustrator at Sweet Cherry Publishing
December 31, 2025 - September 3, 2025
Created 144 illustrations for two sets of children's books set to be released in June 2024.
Illustrator at Jamms
December 31, 2025 - September 3, 2025
Provided illustrations for a children's colouring/activity book and created images printed on the side of a bouncy castle for this charity.
Work Placement Illustrator at Rosie Made a Thing
December 31, 2023 - September 3, 2025
Completed a six-day placement following a brief; received feedback and advice. Gained insights into small company workflow including fault checking, print testing and resizing designs to client needs.
Illustrator for Client Brief at Ladybird
December 31, 2023 - September 3, 2025
Created a board book as part of a university project for Ladybird. Received professional feedback and guidance, gaining experience working with a client.
Store Assistant at Pets at Home
August 1, 2023 - Present
Worked as a store assistant providing customer service and retail support.
Unit Helper at St. Judes Rainbows
July 1, 2023 - Present
Helped lead and support group activities and games for children aged 5-7 years, including training to be a Rainbows leader.

Education

Illustration Bachelor of Arts at de Montfort University
September 10, 2020 - September 10, 2023
Graphic Design (Illustration) First Class Hons at De Montfort University
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2024
Art and Design Foundation Distinction at Dudley College
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025
A-levels: Art, Craft and Design (A), Film Studies (B), History (C) at St Peter’s Collegiate Sixth Form
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025
GCSEs 11x A-C including B Art, A Textiles, 5 English, 6 Maths at St Peter’s Collegiate School
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2025

Qualifications

Illustration Bachelor of Arts
September 28, 2020 - September 8, 2023

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Retail
    paper Case of Cool Vehicles

    A collection of 12 board books illustrated for Sweet Cherry Publishing. These educational books aimed at 0-5-year-olds teach children about different vehicles and what they do. I did a total of 72 different illustrations for this project. All images © Sweet Cherry Publishing