Published children’s book illustrator and Camberwell-trained graphic designer specialising in expressive pen-and-ink drawings with soft watercolour washes. I create warm, hand-drawn artwork where expression, gesture and detail carry the emotional narrative. I’m experienced in character-driven visual storytelling across children’s books, murals, greetings cards and commissions. Working traditionally from original artwork only, I collaborate closely with authors, clients and publishers to deliver consistent characters, clear compositions and thoughtful revisions to agreed deadlines.…

Vivienne Smith

PRO

Published children’s book illustrator and Camberwell-trained graphic designer specialising in expressive pen-and-ink drawings with soft watercolour washes. I create warm, hand-drawn artwork where expression, gesture and detail carry the emotional narrative. I’m experienced in character-driven visual storytelling across children’s books, murals, greetings cards and commissions. Working traditionally from original artwork only, I collaborate closely with authors, clients and publishers to deliver consistent characters, clear compositions and thoughtful revisions to agreed deadlines.…

Available to hire

Published children’s book illustrator and Camberwell-trained graphic designer specialising in expressive pen-and-ink drawings with soft watercolour washes. I create warm, hand-drawn artwork where expression, gesture and detail carry the emotional narrative.

I’m experienced in character-driven visual storytelling across children’s books, murals, greetings cards and commissions. Working traditionally from original artwork only, I collaborate closely with authors, clients and publishers to deliver consistent characters, clear compositions and thoughtful revisions to agreed deadlines.

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Language

Work Experience

Children’s Book Illustrator (Dealing with Feelings series) at Discover Your Bounce Publishing
May 1, 2025 - Present
Illustrated two titles in Michelle McQuillan’s Dealing with Feelings series using original pen-and-ink drawings with watercolour. Created expressive recurring characters and narrative scenes to help children understand complex feelings. Worked collaboratively from manuscript and author/publisher feedback, contributing ideas through to completion. Provided artwork and narrative image development aligned to marketing needs, including revisions to achieve final illustration delivery.
Children’s Book Illustrator at Discover Your Bounce Publishing (Dealing with Feelings series)
May 1, 2025 - Present
Illustrated two titles in Michelle McQuillan’s Dealing with Feelings series using original pen-and-ink drawings with watercolour. Created expressive recurring characters and narrative scenes to make complex emotions accessible to children. Worked from manuscript with author and publisher feedback, contributing ideas for artwork and marketing direction through to completed illustrations.
English Teacher and 1:1 Tutor at Self-employed
January 1, 2019 - Present
Worked 1:1 with children and teenagers, including pupils with SEND, anxiety and emotional needs. Built rapport and adapted communication styles to individual needs, supporting engagement and learning through age-appropriate language and tailored tutoring.
Author, Coach and Trainer at Self-employed
January 1, 2010 - Present
Authored ‘The Single Mum’s Survival Guide’ and ‘Kind Words for Tired Teachers: Rediscover Your Passion and Purpose’. Manages projects, interprets briefs, presents ideas clearly and responds constructively to feedback.
After-school Art Tuition (Art Teacher) at Self (home studio)
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Ran after-school art tuition for primary and secondary children, supporting imaginative projects and developing practical skills.
Artist in Residence and Art Teacher at St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Steyning
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Created art projects in a primary school setting and taught small groups, linking imaginative work to broader curriculum topics. Ran after-school art tuition for primary and secondary children from a home studio, supporting learning through creative, age-appropriate activities.
Art Teacher (Artist in Residence and Art Teacher) at St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Steyning
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Created art projects in a primary school setting and taught small groups, linking imaginative work to wider curriculum topics. Also delivered after-school art tuition from a home studio for primary and secondary children.
Commissioned Artist at Self-employed
January 1, 1993 - Present
Produced a wide range of original commissions including human and animal portraits, greetings cards, name pictures, flower paintings and caricatures. Designed and painted murals covering birds, animals, marine life, fantasy subjects, flowers, landscapes, nursery imagery and trompe l’œil. Adapted style, composition, colour palette and detail level to suit each client, setting and audience.

Education

BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Camberwell School of Art
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1989
PGCE Secondary English (Qualified Teacher Status) at University of Chichester
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
    Illustrations for "Sad Samuel"
    This is the second book in a series by Michelle McQuillan called Dealing with Feelings, published by Discover Your Bounce Publishing. illustrator…
    "Angry Angie" (Book One of the Dealing With Feelings series)
    Illustrations in pen and ink and watercolour for the book “Angry Angie” (part of a series called Dealing with Feelings, written by Michelle McQuillan and published by Discover Your Bounce Publishing). illustrator…