Hi, I’m Jodie!
Mother, Artist, Author-Illustrator, Designer and Director of Happy Doodles Ltd, based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, UK. I am passionate about creativity, emotional well-being, and projects that bring people and communities together through creativity.
Mother, Artist, Author-Illustrator, Designer and Director of Happy Doodles Ltd, based in the East Riding of Yorkshire, UK. I am passionate about creativity, emotional well-being, and projects that bring people and communities together through creativity.
Photography by Iris / Rayh Fitumi
I hold a BA (Hons) in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern from Leeds Arts University (2017) and have since applied my skills across a wide range of projects, blending playful, character-rich illustration with meaningful visual storytelling.
My work sits at the intersection of art, wellbeing, and education. I am the Director of Happy Doodles Ltd, a developing creative wellbeing method, to license to schools, councils, and community groups across the UK. Pilot sessions are in process, and the aim is to provide accessible, low-pressure and preventative ways for participants to explore emotions, build confidence, and connect through visual expression and storytelling.
I’m also the author and illustrator of Bipolar Blob (published by Sweet Cherry Publishing), a children’s picture book born from my own experience of postpartum psychosis and bipolar diagnosis, to help my daughter understand my emotions more. The book uses playful illustrations and storytelling to help children understand complex emotions in simple, relatable ways, sparking conversations about mental health and emotional literacy within families and classrooms worldwide.
Alongside this, I collaborate with schools, councils, and community groups on co-creative projects, including my current Arts Council-funded project with Generation Hull and Thoresby Primary School, where children are co-creating a picture book exploring emotions and belonging. These projects allow participants to see themselves reflected in the work, develop creative confidence, and experience the power of shared storytelling.
I also work with brands and organisations (to the left is an infographic example for Blossom; at Humber Wellbeing Hub) on visual communication projects, bringing ideas to life in ways that are engaging, inclusive, and meaningful for diverse audiences.
My approach combines whimsy, colour, and character with the ability to distil complex ideas into accessible visuals, perfect for projects that aim to educate, inspire, or connect communities.
When I’m not creating, you’ll find me at cozy cafés with a coffee in hand, walking in the park with my daughter, or experimenting with new ways to use creativity to make a positive impact. At heart, I love crafting bright, fun, and thoughtful illustrations that bring joy, reflection, and connection to everyone involved.
If you’d like to collaborate, commission work, or find out more about Happy Doodles, please get in touch.
A few things worth knowing:
✦ 8 years of professional experience in commercial design and illustration
✦ Author and illustrator of original picture book
✦ Trusted by schools, businesses, and publishers across the UK
✦ Workshop programmes tailored to your group's needs
✦ Friendly, collaborative, and always happy to talk about ideas
Ready to work together? I'd love to hear from you!