Meet the Creative Behind Creative Studio
Hello! I’m Maddie, the founder and heart of Creative Studio. I wear many hats – I’m an artist, a designer, a qualified Arts Award advisor, and a mum of two creative kids. I live in the charming Hampshire countryside, where inspiration is everywhere – from the rolling hills to the little craft shops in town. I started Creative Studio out of a simple belief: everyone is creative. Sometimes it just takes the right space or encouragement to let that creativity shine. I’m here to provide exactly that – a friendly, inspiring space for you or your children to explore art, try new things, and grow.
My Creative Journey
My journey into the arts began in a perhaps unconventional way – with wedding stationery! Years ago, I helped a friend design her wedding invitations and fell in love with the process of making something personal and beautiful for someone’s special day. That spark led me into a career in graphic design and illustration. I especially became passionate about book cover design – there’s a special thrill in capturing an author’s world in a single image for the cover. (Yes, I’m that person who will pick up a book if the cover art is gorgeous!) I am a trained ballet dancer and Art Assessor and Examiner.
Alongside digital design, I’ve always kept my hands busy with traditional art and craft. I’ve travelled widely and picked up artistic influences from around the world – Moroccan tile patterns, Indian textiles, European architecture – these often find subtle ways into my designs and workshops. I believe art is a continuous learning journey, and I love that I can be both a teacher and a student of art every day.
Why I Love What I Do
There’s something truly magical about watching people light up when they create something with their own hands. I’ve seen it in a child’s proud grin holding up a painted flower pot, and in an adult’s amazement when they pull their first gel print and say “I made that!”. Those moments of joy and connection are why I love running art workshop. It’s not just about teaching techniques (though I do enjoy a good demo!); it’s about giving people the time and space to play. In our busy world, I want Creative Studio workshops to be a place where you can slow down, get a bit messy, and discover that art isn’t about perfection – it’s about expression and fun.
As a mum, I also understand the desire to give our children rich, engaging experiences. Both of my children were electively home educated. That’s why I’m so passionate about our Home Education programs. They combine structure with flexibility, allowing young people to delve deeply into subjects they love, at their own pace. And as a parent, I know how important it is to have mentors you trust – I strive to be that mentor for your kids, nurturing their interests and cheering on their progress every step of the way.
Accessible, Enjoyable, Stress-Free. Those are the guiding words for Creative Studio, and they come straight from my personal philosophy. Art should be accessible – you don’t need fancy tools or years of training to enjoy it. In my workshops, I provide all the materials and show you that you can create art with everyday items too. It should be enjoyable – yes, you’ll learn techniques, but we’ll laugh, experiment, and celebrate happy accidents. And it should absolutely be stress-free – in my space, there’s no wrong way to do art. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist wanting to try something new, I make sure you feel welcomed and supported.
I also believe creativity is a superpower that isn’t limited to art class – it spills into how we solve problems, how we express ourselves, and how we connect with others. By encouraging creativity in both kids and adults, I hope to add a bit more joy and confidence to their lives. I’ve seen firsthand how a shy child comes out of their shell after a few art sessions, or how a busy adult finds a calming outlet through painting in a workshop. Those transformations, big or small, fuel me.
A Little More Personal…
When I’m not running workshops or designing, you might find me in my home studio or spending time with my children ( I'm the karaoke queen!). Our family has a sweet dog named Willow, who often sits under the table during workshops at my home studio, acting as our unofficial mascot and occasional “art critic” (mainly by wagging her tail). She has taught me patience and the joy of simple things – good traits for an artist, too, I think.
I’m also a huge fan of journaling – I keep a visual journal where I collage and paint about travels, ideas, or just everyday gratitude. It’s like my playground where no one’s watching, and it keeps my own creative fire burning.
Lastly, I want you to know that when you come to Creative Studio – be it a one-off workshop or a year-long course – you become part of our creative family. Many of my workshop participants and students stay in touch, sharing their achievements or asking for advice. I cherish those relationships. Creative Studio isn’t just a business to me; it’s a community of creative souls encouraging each other.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a bit. I can’t wait to get to know you and support your creative journey. Feel free to reach out or say hello – I’m always here for a chat about your ideas, your child’s latest project, or even just to swap favourite colours (mine’s turquoise, in case you’re wondering!).
Warmly,
Maddie
Founder & Creative Mentor, Creative Studio