Hi, I’m Phillippa, an artist and surface designer based in Marondera, Zimbabwe.

I create illustrations and repeating patterns inspired by the rich natural beauty of Zimbabwe and the surrounding regions, especially the birds, plants and wildlife I’ve seen and photographed myself.

Although I’ve loved art since I was young, my creative path hasn’t been a traditional one. I studied Mechanical Engineering in the UK and worked as an engineer in Harare for over ten years. While raising my three children, I began to feel the pull towards something more creatively fulfilling. Discovering surface pattern design in 2020 felt like finding a missing piece  and I haven’t looked back since.

With so many brilliant online resources available, I threw myself into learning, taking courses, experimenting and gradually developing my own style. Most of my sketches begin traditionally, on paper with pencil or ink, before moving into digital tools like Procreate, Illustrator or Photoshop. I enjoy layering handmade textures, painted elements and cut-paper effects to create artwork with depth, spontaneity and a natural feel. My engineering background still influences the way I work – I have a real love of precision, repeat patterns, and the quiet satisfaction of all the pieces fitting together just right.

These days, I work from my home studio on a beautiful school campus in Marondera, where I’m surrounded by nature and find daily inspiration. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share a little window into my world through my work.

I sell my fabric and wallpaper designs through Spoonflower and Fabric Bank (South Africa), and I also offer custom illustration work and licensing to clients looking for artwork that is rooted in place, personal and meaningful.

Whether it’s a custom fabric for a safari camp or activewear, or a bird print for someone missing home, I create art that tells stories – stories of land, memory and connection.

Thank you so much for visiting my little corner of the internet. Stay a while and take a look around.