About Me

Hello, I’m Zoe a Live Event and Fashion Illustrator based in Croydon.

I also work as a Wedding Illustrator and Graphic Recorder.

As if this wasn’t enough, I run Dress Up and Draw Workshops which involve a mix of teaching fashion illustration while participants dress up in fabulous clothes and I create bespoke watercolour portraits and sell prints of my artwork.

I live with my son and our four cats, who keep my home-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, all drawn by hand (except for Graphic Recording which I do by hand AND by ipad).

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.

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 highlighting best features to create stylish illustrations.

If you’re looking for a detail-obsessed Live Illustrator for your next event, I’d love to hear from you.

My Background

Originally from Halifax, I moved to London in 1989, after completing an HND in Textile Design. I then went on to complete a degree in Textile design at the University of East London and achieved Qualified Teacher Status in 2005

Before becoming a full‑time artist in 2025, I spent 25 years teaching Art and Textiles. I worked for 18 years in a Special Independent School, followed by 7 years as a secondary school teacher in Central London.

Teaching gave me a deep understanding of people, communication, and creativity which are valuable transferable for running my own art business.

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. Oh dear. I reclaimed the phrase as a celebration of joyful creativity and artistic freedom.

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