Get To Know Me

Get To Know Me

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi, I'm Jenny Barham, an artist and illustrator based in London. I create beautiful, bespoke wedding stationery and fine art prints, all crafted by hand using watercolours and gouache. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of nature, and that’s something that really shines through in my work.

2. How did you get started as an artist/illustrator?

My love for art began early—whether it was doodling on napkins, scribbling in magazines, or even (oops!) drawing on the walls (sorry, Mum!). As I grew older, I knew I wanted to pursue something creative, so I decided to study fashion and textile design at university. That’s where I first discovered my love for painting with gouache and watercolour. There was something about the fluidity and vibrancy of these mediums that instantly clicked with me. Now, whether I’m designing art prints or creating bespoke wedding stationery, you’ll always find me with a pencil or brush in hand, sketching on anything I can—magazines, post-it notes, you name it!

 

3. What inspires your art?

A lot of my inspiration comes from the beauty of nature— I find endless inspiration in the world around me (I think I could paint flowers endlessly) from the intricate patterns in nature to simply the feeling of a place. Another of my biggest influences is the time I spent living near Sorrento, Italy, as an au pair when I was 19. The stunning landscapes, the Mediterranean light, and the slower pace of life had such a profound impact on my creative journey. Travel continues to inspire me—recently, I fell in love with the charm of Cefalu in Sicily and the timeless beauty of Hydra in Greece. Every new place I visit adds a new layer to my work.

 

4. What is your creative process like?

I never leave home without my sketchbook—whether I’m meeting friends, grabbing coffee, or even on holiday, I’m always ready to capture ideas. It might be a quick sketch, or a few words jotted down in the moment. Once I’m back in my studio (which is just a cozy corner of my living room), I’ll take one of these ideas and start developing it further. I create mood boards, gather images, and start sketching, refining the concept along the way. My process is a lot of back-and-forth—sometimes I’ll paint elements of a piece multiple times until it feels just right. It takes a lot of patience, but as I always say, it’s all about the process. The journey from idea to finished piece is what makes it all so rewarding!
 

5. Can you tell us about your favourite project you’ve worked on?

One of my favourite projects was designing bespoke wedding stationery for a lovely couple who wanted to incorporate the beauty of their coastal wedding into their invites. I loved capturing the details of the beach, from the shells and palm trees to the gentle waves. It was such a personal and meaningful project, and I feel so grateful to have been a part of their special day.

 

6. How do you stay motivated and inspired as an artist?

I stay inspired by surrounding myself with beauty in all forms—whether that’s a peaceful walk in nature, flipping through art books, or simply soaking in the little details around me. Taking breaks is also key for me; stepping away from a project for a bit allows me to come back with fresh eyes and new ideas. I’m also a huge fan of ‘Artist Dates’—a concept I picked up from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s my personal time to go out solo and explore something new, whether it’s a museum, a café, or even a walk in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. It’s all about filling my creative well! And when I’m working on wedding stationery, I love connecting with couples and hearing about their vision. Their stories and ideas always ignite fresh inspiration and spark new creative directions.

 

7. What are you most proud of in your artistic journey?

What I’m most proud of is my perseverance—both in my art and my creative journey. There have been plenty of moments when things felt uncomfortable or when my work wasn’t going quite the way I envisioned, but I kept pushing through. That dedication has led me to where I am today, and it’s something I’m really proud of. I’m also proud of building my wedding stationery business alongside my full-time career in interior design. Juggling both has been a challenge, but it’s been so rewarding to see my art bring joy to couples on their big day. Knowing my creations have a special place in such important moments keeps me motivated, even when the going gets tough.
 

8. What do you hope people take away from your work?

I hope my art brings a sense of calm, joy, and beauty to people’s lives. Whether it’s a fine art print or a personalised wedding invitation, I want my work to help people reconnect with special moments and fond memories. My goal is to create pieces that feel timeless, meaningful, and evoke a sense of happiness every time you look at them.

9. What can we expect from you next?

I’m always cooking up something new! Right now, I’m diving into a collection inspired by some of my favourite European cities—places like Naples, Porto, and Athens—and turning those memories into beautiful fine art prints. I’m also developing fresh bespoke wedding stationery packages to bring even more unique designs to couples. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you all!

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