Fiona Meakin Designs - Draw With Fi

Currently Pottery Corner (in Chorlton) is my friend Helen's favourite little corner of the world and both Helen and my friend Alex took me there recently for my birthday treat. Helen and I chose to paint cups and saucers (see above for my finished pottery). I'm not allowed to reveal what Alex painted as it is a suprise for someone! If you get a chance to go there do! It is really relaxing and great for an alternative celebration for example, a quiet(ish) hen-do. Thanks for taking me girls! Visit http://www.potsareforpainting.co.uk/ for more info.

I love my new sketch book, it has a little message written along the spine, which reads: 'Writing, drawing. A notebook makes me feel free and happy.' My piano does too.

Would you like to commission me to produce a unique alphabet or number illustration? These items make perfect, individual gifts for births, birthdays or any special occassion you can think of. Each one can be illustrated to your specification, in a range of sizes. Illustrations are mounted and framed. visit www.fiandme.co.uk or contact me directly at fionameakin@hotmail.com all images copyright fiona meakin 2011

This is what my 2 and a half year old daughter said the morning after a trip to the local duck pond! So cute, I just had capture the image for her! She loves to see this illustration and now every morning she tells us she has dreamt of them!

Lucy and I will be part of ReddFest next weekend - Sat 11th June. It will be the very first Reddish Festival and we are very excited to be included. You can read more about us by follwing this link to the official site, where you can also see other artists and participants. reddfest.co.uk/reddfest-artists/fi-me/ www.reddfest.co.uk To view more of my illustrations and recent projects please visit: www.cargocollective.com/fionameakinillustrations

Fox In The Snow, 2011 (Pen and Ink) Zeta, 2011 (Pen and Ink) I often sketch my beautiful cat Zeta, which is in a different style from my prefered 'children's book' style. But it definitely informed my 'Fox In The Snow' illustration. Also inspired by the Belle and Sebastian song. I think it is important to try and draw, from life, using different mediums and styles so that you don't become too rooted in one way of working. I need to do more of this though. I have been following illustrator Lynne Chapman 's blog and on her website she generously gives loads of useful tips and advice on becoming an illustrator. One thing in particular that she recommends is keeping a sketchbook. Not just of the style that you illustrate but a book that you can carry around with you for those quiet moments on trains - when you can capture people and places. Having started out as an actor (and probably being naturally a bit nosey!) I have always people watched. Lynne...

Oh my goodness! Today I am 30!