Vanessa-Gaye Schiff

In a previous life I must have been a ‘Bower Bird’. These quizzical creatures spend a lifetime gathering collectables in the form of bottle tops, beetle carcass husks, beads, broken glass and debris of a shiny or interesting nature. These rare treasures are then arranged into groups and designed into patterns with a logic known only to the bird. Yet the result is masterful – and art is born from the instincts of these inspirational creatures.

No great talent is required to be observant, but a creative wellspring resides in the ability to find beauty in the seemingly mundane, and present it in a way that instills a new appreciation.

Luckily my creative drive was encouraged by my parents and in one way or another I was always 'the arty daughter', and proud to be so!

I studied for many years at Art & Design college, where I almost learnt how to take criticism graciously, but needed few years of agency life to finally put me in my place.

I can dream up designs as well as any Bower Bird, but have also had a few art exhibitions, taken up photography and discovered the art of retouching. It was my 'Bower' instincts that came to the fore in designing my first book, published by Random House in London, in which I dabbled creatively in fashion design.

If it’s pure illustration you need, retouching with a light but cunning hand, or just plain and simple design with class - Zim Salla Bim and I’m your girl!