Where tough topics meet tender hearts
Maker | Educator | Designer-illustrator
Life throws some pretty big subjects at young people.
And let's be honest—sometimes adults don't quite know where to start either.
What I Do (The Serious Bit, Told Unseriously)
I create colourful, character-led illustrations, games, resources and picture books that tackle subjects grown-ups often find tricky to explain.
Think whimsical worlds where anxious feelings become friendly monsters, where nature gets a personality, and where big environmental topics shrink down to child-sized understanding—without shrinking the importance.
My ideas don't shy away from reality, but they do invite hope along for the adventure.
For too long learning experiences have become formulaic and outdated, a tick-box exercise, treated like another task on the never-ending to-do list.
Uninspiring.
The whole point learning is to grow minds, develop skills and encourage exploration and experimentation. That is where innovation and creativity lies. It cannot be achieved with overly strict criteria and tight constraints.
Traditional, well-worn methods lead to traditional answers, so it’s time for a different approach to learning.
One of storytelling, variety, immersive experiences, crafts, and the unexpected.
Of beautiful design underpinned by solid educational research and theory.
Of relatable, applicable information that encourages action.
Of resources and books that ignite imagination and inspire minds.
I work with creative and educational businesses that care about the experiences they create for their audience - whether small or ‘big’ kids - and want to:
break away from the ‘normal’ (read: boring) way of doing things and outdated educational practices
create fun, engaging learning and development experiences for children and adults alike
get clarity on executing a fabulous idea
spread more raucous joy and positive impact in the world - whether that’s for people, planet or yourself.
My services
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I specialise in creating the design and concepts for fun, interactive, educational books, games, toolkits, and learning resources.
Steeped in storytelling, quirky characters, creative thinking, and positive mindset development, I love adding puns, humour and wit too if that’s your thing.
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I am fascinated by how storytelling and information is transformed into captivating visuals and admittedly, I hero-worship book illustrators.
If you have a non-fiction or children’s book that needs illustrating (about the environment, animals, health, or well-being in particular), I’d love to chat with you about it.
“Coaching with Helen was a complete gamechanger for me. After every session I'd come away filled with clarity and enthusiasm”
— Emma Stenhouse, Copywriter
Want to know more?
UnlikelyGenius is based on 4 core principles:
A sense of wonder fuels curiosity, exploration, intrigue, and discovery, and of that, there can never be enough. We'll wonder at what inspires you, the potential of what you are bringing to the world and how to make the most of it.
We're going to get creative and that means getting WILD and MESSY - literally and symbolically. We'll try new approaches, explore from different perspectives and go a bit rogue. You're encouraged to escape outdoors to brainstorm, ponder & see what the world can tell you when not chained to your desk.
A big part of the challenge is transforming your ideas into action, and that I can do. Once we've drawn your idea out and developed it, we will work together to get it off the ground and looking marvellous.
Creativity is my lifeblood and informs everything I do in work and play. So it's safe to say your creative project is safe in my paws and the ideas will FLOW.
But wait…who do I work with?
Not just anyone is getting in, I’ve become a picky little pickle lately.
I work with wondrous humans who:
want to make life better for others
embrace individual passions, emotions, and the differences each of us brings to the table
want to create inclusive learning experiences that don’t single people out
don’t always get things right, but they will at least try and aren’t afraid to make mistakes
keep an open mind to new ways of doing things
believe none of us are perfect, but that we’re all blinking marvellous in our own little ways
want to change lives or at least make it a little easier - for themselves AND others
respect this glorious planet of ours and want to take action - whether big or small - to safeguard its future
If this is you, give me a shout, you glorious pumpkin you.
Current clients & collaborations:
A lifetime of love, honest!
Despite evidence to the contrary (see the regularly rolled out evidence by my family, right) I have always adored books, and particularly children’s books. I read Watership Down independently before I even started primary school (that may also explain the rabbit obsession) and have barely stopped since. I still buy children’s books now, just for me, to study their illustrations, humour, and clever layouts.
For a long time, I’ve been harbouring a not-so-secret desire to see my illustrations on the bookshelf amongst my illus-idols Jon Klassen, Chris Haughton, Oliver Jeffers, Rachel Ignotofsky, Sandra Dieckmann, and the mighty duo and creators of ‘Bunnies on the Bus’ Philip Ardagh & Ben Mantel. If you haven’t yet read Dick the Delightful Duck by Kaye Umansky and Ben Mantle, what are you even doing with your life? Absolute genius.
I already have multiple books released for which I’m the illustrator AND my first solo book that I have both authored AND illustrated will be out in 2026. I also create associated resources and activity books.
“Helen provided a coaching session to guide me through my next stage of business development. I came away with pages and pages of ideas that I can't wait to put into action now. Her resources, experience and coaching style provides a perfect base for growing your business”
Laura Smith, Ella St Communications
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