Ahoy! I'm Robyn, an eccentric mixed-media and digital illustrator.

I grew up in South Africa and I am therefore 80% made up of the smell of fynbos in the dry air, views of the sea from the mountains, the shrilling of cicadas, and the sharp feeling of thick grass under bare feet.

image credit: Nic Austen  

The short story:

My illustrations are (like I am) a mix of cultures and influences—full of bright colours and scribbles, all in a simplified style. I work in mixed media, creating picture books, illustrating portraits, and sketching wherever I go.

On the surface, my work is playful and lighthearted, celebrating family, humanity, and the beautiful planet we share. Beneath it all, I explore themes of selfishness, foolishness, forgiveness, rescue, and unconditional love—woven together with a good dose of absurdity and silliness.

Born and raised in South Africa, I’ve now nestled into the English countryside, though I’ll always miss the friendly people, the extraordinary landscape, and the wildlife I insisted on bringing indoors. Now, I spend the brighter months exploring villages and sneakily sketching people and their dogs. In the dark, cold winter, I hibernate—filling my sketchbook with ideas and cosy drawings, usually featuring coffee.

In between drawing and sleeping (my favourite hobby!) I homeschool my two hilarious children and help out with children’s work and music at church.

Let me tell you more stories.

Sign up to my Substack newsletter to keep up to date with my illustration life and get access to live drawing calls.

Would you like to join the club?

“The Scribble Club” to be precise.

Joining my newsletter will give you free access to my Drawing Play-Dates: a monthly live video call where we draw playfully together - no judgmental voices, just silly messiness - learning something valuable in the process.

If you enjoy that, and would like more play-based learning, then The Scribble Club might be the group for you. This is a subscription plan where, for £4 a month, you get:

  • videos to watch, where I give demonstrations and tutorials,

  • access to join more live calls where we discuss picture-books and learn from other authors and illustrators,

  • personal feedback on any drawings or illustrations with which you would like help,

  • many more fun extras. Check out all the details here.