About Me

Hello, I’m Zoe — a Fashion Illustrator, Live Event Illustrator, Wedding Illustrator, Portrait Artist, and Graphic Recorder based in Croydon. I also run creative art workshops and sell a curated range of art prints inspired by the people I meet. I live with my son and our four cats, who keep my studio lively and full of personality.

Drawing people is my greatest joy. I’m endlessly inspired by expressive clothing, bold silhouettes, and individuals who look like they have a story to tell. That’s why I fell in love with fashion illustration and why I adore capturing people dressed up for weddings, parties, and special events. Live illustration allows me to document these moments in real time — joyful, intimate, and reassuringly human.

I’ve illustrated people from all walks of life. In 2015, I travelled to Ethiopia and created a series of charcoal drawings and paintings inspired by the tribeswomen I met. One of these pieces went on to win an award in the Royal Watercolour Society’s annual competition, a milestone that continues to shape my artistic journey.

You can explore my latest work on Instagram or follow my behind‑the‑scenes updates on my blog. 

What I offer

• Fashion Illustration

• Live Event Illustration (corporate events, weddings, brand activations, parties)

• Wedding Illustration & Guest Portraits

• Portrait Commissions

• Graphic Recording / Live Scribing

• Creative Art Workshops

• Art Prints & Original Artwork

My work focuses on illustrating people as they are — and as they want to be seen. If you’re looking for a live illustrator for your next event, I’d love to hear from you.

My Background

Before becoming a full‑time artist, I spent 25 years teaching Art and Textiles. I worked for 18 years in a Special Independent School supporting children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and other SpLDs, followed by 7 years as a secondary school teacher in Central London.

Teaching gave me a deep understanding of people, communication, and creativity — skills that now shape my art practice and business every day.

Why “The Gleeful Dabbler”?

The name is a playful nod to Frida Kahlo, who was once patronisingly described as someone who “gleefully dabbles” in art while her husband was hailed as a master muralist. Blehh! I reclaimed the phrase as a celebration of joyful creativity and artistic freedom.

You can read kind words from clients on my Testimonials page.