✍️Rebuilding Confidence Through Art
I’m Charmaine, a pen and ink illustrator and mentor helping artists and illustrators reconnect with their creativity, one confident line at a time.
Art has always been part of who I am. I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil—sketching animals, imaginary worlds, and anything that sparked a sense of wonder. I later trained in Graphic Design and Web Development, but somewhere along the way, I stopped drawing altogether.
I took a 15-year hiatus from my art. Why? Because I was told I wasn’t really good at it—that it was just luck, not talent. Like many, I was encouraged to pursue a “real” job instead. So I did. And for years, I didn’t draw a single thing.
But the need to create never left me.
Eventually, I picked up a pen again. Slowly. Hesitantly. And what I discovered was this: drawing doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to feel right. That one small return to art grew into something much bigger—a full body of work as a pen and ink illustrator and a mission to help others reclaim their creativity, too.
You can see my portfolio here.
Helping You Draw Again—Without the Pressure
That’s why I created a membership program just for artists and illustrators who feel stuck, self-doubting, or unsure where to start. Inside, you’ll find:
Simple, practical anatomy lessons made for illustrators (not surgeons)
Mindset-based drawing sessions that help you trust your own hand again
A growing library of guided resources and sketch prompts
And a welcoming community where you're never “behind” or “not good enough”
Whether you're returning to drawing after a break, just getting started again, or rebuilding after years of doubt—you belong here.
🌱 Let's Draw Together
Drawing doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You deserve to make art that feels like you, in a way that’s enjoyable and sustainable.
If you're ready to reconnect with your creativity, grow your skills, and finally start drawing with confidence again—let’s take the first step, together.
Click here to see my blog for hints, tips, my art processes, and more.
My Work as a Pen and Ink Illustrator
I now create detailed, expressive illustrations using traditional black ink—often inspired by animals, nature, folklore, and quiet magic. My linework leans into texture, movement, and storytelling, aiming to capture meaning and emotion in every mark.
Through my illustration brand, Dragonfire Studio, I offer art prints, mugs, apparel, and digital downloads for people who connect with intricate, handcrafted design and timeless narrative.
My work is shaped not only by my love for ink, but also by the long break I took from art. That experience gave me a deep understanding of what it’s like to lose creative confidence—and how powerful it is to get it back.
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You can contact me here.
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Commissions are announced on my newsletter, Instagram, and Facebook. They are only open for a limited number of slots that will be announced as and when they are available.
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I use an iPad Pro 12.9", an Apple Pencil and Procreate. I use Adobe Fresco for vector illustrations.
I also use my smartphone and Sketchbook to create illustrations, sketches on the go.
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Yes. Original artwork and illustrations can be found in the studio shop (Dragonfire Studio) when available.
Want to be first in line when anything becomes available? Join the exclusive collectors’ newsletter here.
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Although not exclusive, I work with the following materials (at the moment):
Sakura Pigma Micron fineliners (mostly 0.003).
Colorio Watercolours.
Windsor & Newton Designer’s Gouache.
Faber-Castell mechanical pencil, 0.5 2B lead.
Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils.
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I studied art as a GCSE subject at school. Beyond that, I am self-taught from various online videos, trial and error, dabbling, then diving into new materials and styles of working.
It’s glorious fun!
Feeling uninspired?
Why not try some gentle sketchbook prompts to help ease you into drawing again?
Get my free guide with 10 Sketchbook Starter Prompts you can print, tuck into your sketchbook, and return to anytime you're feeling stuck.
They’re designed to help you ease back into drawing gently - with no pressure, no perfection, and plenty of play.
