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.
The short story about me:
My illustrations are (like I am) made up of a variety of cultures and influences; they are full of bright coloured blobs and scribbles, all in a simplified style.
I am a children’s book writer and illustrator and - on the surface - my work embodies naïvety, innocence, playfulness, and fun; celebrating humanity and the beautiful planet we share. Deeper than that, however, I explore themes such as selfishness, foolishness, forgiveness, rescue, and unconditional love.
Born and raised in South Africa, I have finally settled down in the English countryside, though I will always miss the friendly people, the extraordinary landscape, and the interesting wildlife that I insisted on bringing into the house.
My art-life consists of three main parts: creating picture-books, illustrating portraits, and drawing everywhere I go. I like to explore the countryside throughout the brighter months and regularly stop to draw whatever I see, which is usually plants, buildings, people and their dogs. In the dark, cold winter, I try to hibernate, and this is when my sketchbook fills up with ideas, and cosy drawings that usually include 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.
Would you like to join the club?
“The Scribble Club” to be precise.
If you join my newsletter, you also get free access to my Drawing Play-Dates: a monthly live video call where we draw playfully together - no judgmental voices, just silly messiness - and maybe 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 illustrators,
personal feedback on any drawings or illustrations that you would like help with,
many more fun extras. Check out all the details here.
