Illustration

Amazing Blood Ties! (2025)

Working alongside University of Leeds researcher Dr Jieun Kim, we developed a children’s picture book about blood donation. Written by Jini based on her research, we worked together to develop character concepts, colour palettes and environments that would engage children in learning about what happens to blood when it is given and received (and everything in between).

The spreads were then outlined in hand controlled free machine stitch, before being scanned and digitally coloured by hand. I continue to choose to work in textiles and stitch, due to our comforting relationship with them. Their haptic properties help to physically and visually soften a world and topic that might be otherwise scary for young readers.

The final outcome is a free e-book available online here! We also offer workshops and storytelling sessions, complete with extra learning materials, to bring the book to life. If you’d like to host a session or receive a free physical copy of the book, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us via hematopolitics@leeds.ac.uk or follow us on @hematopolitics.bsky.social for any updates on upcoming events!

Work In Progress – Chloe’s New Stem Cells (2023)

When Zoe is born, she has a rare blood disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia. This means her bone marrow does not make it’s own red blood cells and she relies on blood transfusions every 2-3 weeks to stay alive. At the age of 10, after many years of searching for a bone marrow donor, Zoe is finally able to have her stem cell transplant. ‘My New Stem Cells’ is a picture book aimed at children aged 8-12 who may be undergoing, or may know someone who will be undergoing, a bone marrow transplant.

Return to Oz DIY Interactive Book (2022)

Hand painted and hand cut illustrations put together during my MA to create a richly interactive one of a kind book. The brief called for a map and I took inspiration from a favourite film, reimagining the characters and places to map out Dorothy’s journey back through OZ.

Follow the footprints across the pages to save The scarecrow from Gnome King Mountain, and Ozma, the rightful queen of Oz, from the evil Mombi.

Sketchbook (2024-2025)

Take a nosey through my sketchbook, a place where I play and develop through trying new materials, such as alcohol markers, acrylic pens, and acrylic ink. I enjoy focusing on character creation and just having fun! A lot of the characters have been created through playing tabletop roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons and The Wildsea.

Concept: The Nightshade Family Quilt (2023)

Using textiles and embroidery to document the tales of The Nightshade Family, intended to create a community quilt with story patches built up by children. A DIY zine helps the participants get to know each family member, design a family crest and begin the consider what stories the characters might have to tell!

Children who experience a variety of gender expression, race and disability can find themselves represented within the family, with the potential to create and include new characters just like themselves.

Paper Cuts (2022)

A demonstration of paper cut and collage pieces created through my MA Illustrations studies.

Paper and card are hand painted before being hand cut and glued to form intricate and stylised illustrations.

3D Storytelling (2022-2023)

Taking 2D illustration and moving into 3D objects ranging from soft plushies to clay. The Chloe doll (image 4) and Cecil (image 5) were created to work alongside ‘Chloe’s New Stem Cells’. The doll utilises magnets to allow for interchangeable facial expressions and hair to move through Chloe’s medical experiences. ‘Artie’ from image 3 is made from materials developed to mimic muscle for healthcare practitioners to test their surgery skills!