Kate Garrett | Watercolour Illustrator & Artist from Devon
Award-Winning Watercolour Illustrator
Hello, I'm Kate Garrett, a Devon illustrator specialising in traditional hand-painted watercolour illustrations. From my countryside studio in North Devon, I create original artwork for personalised gifts, children's books, greeting cards, licensing projects and private commissions.
Inspired by wildlife, gardens, farms and the beautiful landscapes around me, every illustration begins with pencil and ink before being carefully finished in watercolour.
My Story
I have loved painting for as long as I can remember. Winning national art competitions as a child confirmed that illustration was where my heart lay, although I first followed a career in science, studying Biology before becoming a secondary school teacher.
After the birth of my daughter in 2006, I painted a personalised name picture as a keepsake. Friends and family soon began requesting their own, and in 2008 I established Baby Name Pictures.
Since then I have created thousands of original watercolour paintings for families throughout the UK and around the world.
Today I work full time as a watercolour illustrator in the UK, creating artwork that celebrates childhood, family life and the natural world.
Personalised Name Paintings
Hand-painted nursery artwork created especially for each child.
Greeting Card Illustration
Designs licensed by Phoenix Trading, Flamingo Paperie, Lilac Tree and Thortful.
Cross Stitch Design
Artwork adapted into Bothy Threads cross stitch kits enjoyed by stitchers worldwide.
Wedding Commissions
Hand painted wedding portraits and live wedding illustration.
Illustration commissions
Animal illustrations published by Villager Jim for his business in the Peak District.
Pet and animal portraits
Your own pet or farm animals painted in Kate's unique style.
My Illustration Style
As a traditional watercolour artist, I combine professional watercolours with coloured pencil and fine ink to create artwork full of character, warmth and intricate detail. Every illustration is drawn and painted by hand rather than created digitally, giving each piece its own unique personality.
Much of my inspiration comes from the Devon countryside—woodland animals, wildflowers, farm animals and peaceful rural landscapes all find their way into my work.
Clients & Collaborations
As a freelance illustrator in the UK, I create artwork for a wide variety of projects, including:
Greeting card illustration
Cross Stitch kits
Kitchen Textiles
Children's book illustration and book covers
Homeware and Gifts
Nursery artwork
Editorial illustration
Licensing opportunities
Bespoke family, pet and house portraits
Published & Licensed Artwork
Over the years my illustrations have appeared on greeting cards, gifts, homeware and cross stitch kits. I've had the pleasure of working with publishers including Phoenix Trading, Flamingo Paperie, Villager Jim, Lilac Tree and Thortful, while my original paintings have also been developed into popular Bothy Threads cross stitch kits.
Alongside commissioned work, I continue to develop artwork for licensing and welcome enquiries from publishers and manufacturers looking for a licensed illustrator with a distinctive hand-painted style.
Children's Books & Publishing
One of my favourite areas of illustration is creating artwork that tells a story. As a book illustrator, I enjoy bringing characters to life with expressive watercolour paintings that encourage children to explore every page.
Whether illustrating woodland adventures, farmyard friends or gentle nursery scenes, I aim to create timeless artwork that families will treasure for years to come.
Working With Me
If you're searching for a watercolour illustrator, Devon illustrator, children's illustrator, book illustrator, greeting card illustrator, or freelance illustrator in the UK, I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're a publisher, business, retailer or private client, I enjoy creating beautiful hand-painted illustrations that tell a story and become lasting keepsakes.
Please get in touch to discuss commissions, publishing projects, licensing opportunities or bespoke artwork.
All of Kate’s work is individually handmade to order and her designs are both fresh and imaginative – perfect for little ones to treasure, making them really original new baby, Christening or children’s birthday gifts.
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