About Ashleigh Illustrates

My name is Ashleigh Cripps and I am an illustrator/artist from Southend-on-Sea, UK.

I graduated from Norwich University of the Arts in 2008 with a BA in Illustration, but a lot has happened since then….

I graduated during the 2008 recession, so I felt like I had to ‘get a real job’ quickly, and soon gave up on my creative goals, choosing to do what I thought I was supposed to do as an adult. I proceeded to have jobs in teaching, safeguarding, housing sector, charity sector, retail & hospitality, but nothing ever really stuck for me.

I am now almost 40, and have realised that actually life is too short not to do what you love, so here’s me giving it a go. I now have 3 children, and work part-time at an art gallery by day, and a supermarket by night while I beaver away at developing my illustrative and creative practice, and fanning the flame of my little creative candle.

It’s not glamourous, chaotic at times, and I have so much to learn!

I’d love to share my journey with you and hopefully in the process prove that it is possible to do the thing, and it’s never too late.

I also love hearing from other artists and creators on the journey, all over the world, so drop me a line if you want to link in, ask me anything, or even collaborate!