Hello, I’m Claire Watson. I’m an illustrator, graphic designer and wildlife-lover living near Chichester, West Sussex.
After studying for a BA in History of Art (Sussex University) and an MA in Museum Studies (UCL), I realised I needed a more creative pathway and slowly built up my brand Beetle Cherry. I sold my artwork as prints and other products very successfully for years, using online platforms, in-person events in Brighton and London, and being stocked in many shops all over the country.
I then studied Graphic Design, which led me to designing children's books. I did this for over 10 years, initially working in-house and then freelance for a number of the UK's top publishers. I worked on some award-winning books, creating engaging layouts and commissioning some incredible illustrators.
I now focus on combining my illustration and design skills, working on projects mostly for charities and heritage sites, creating family trails, illustrated guides and posters.
Alongside this, I trained with Dr Ali Foxon to become a Green Sketching Ambassador - running workshops to help people use drawing to connect with nature.
Some facts about me!
• I did a research trek into the Sumatran rainforest to study wild orangutans
• I made a banner (see above) to take to Chris Packham’s March for Wildlife protest in London in 2018, and now The Guardian regularly uses a photo of my face and that banner in articles about wildlife!
• I helped monitor nesting seabirds for a season at RSPB Langstone Harbour
• I briefly worked at the Booth Museum of Natural History, recataloguing their huge butterfly collection, as well as helping to run visitor events
• I love swifts, orangutans, oak trees, peaceful moments to myself with a cup of tea, drawing fungi, a good book and the New Forest