My Story

Hi, hello! Welcome to my first (of many!) blog posts. I'm so glad you're here! :)

My name is Julia, and you may know me from my little art nook on Instagram (@julias.tales), but for those of you who don't know me; I'm a digital and watercolour illustrator who loves to bring animal characters to life! This website, my "corner" of the internet, is something I've been dreaming about for a long time. For as long as I can remember, art has been my quiet companion in life - a way to make sense of the world around me, to express my silly imagination, and to honour the stories I've conjured up and always held close. 

I was born in Australia, spent many years in Canada, and have lived in a handful of places in between - but these days (and for the forseeable future!), I call the Netherlands home. I live here with my husband, my beloved pets, and countless beautiful plants, all of whom inspire and enrich my work more than they'll ever know! Our living room currently doubles as my art studio - although the space is limited, I've come to love the natural light and constant pitter-pattering of tiny paws around me. 

For the majority of my life, I've kept my illustrations to myself. It wasn't until my mid-twenties - after years of secret creating and soul-searching - that I realised this part of me was more than just a hobby. It was my way forward. Since then, I've been quietly pouring my heart into building a little world that feels like mine. This world reflects the comfort and joy I used to find in picture books and stories illustrated by icons such as Beatrix Potter, A. A. Milne, and Jill Barklem. These are but a few artists who have largely shaped the artist I am today. 

This website marks the beginning of something really important to me: a place to share my illustrations, stories, and other little trinkets with you. Whether you're here for prints, stickers, commissions, or just a quiet gander through the gallery, I hope you'll find something that makes you feel like you're in a familiar place - whether that's of a general sense of calm, of home, or maybe even a glimpse of a childhood memory. 

Thank you so much for being here! I can't wait to see how this journey unfolds, and I hope you join me for the journey. :)

With warmth, 

Julia