About me

I’m Debbie, a Professional Illustrator and Designer specialising in bespoke and personalised artwork and landmark prints. After 20 years as a Children’s Fashion Designer, I launched Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates during the 2020 lockdown, turning creativity and resilience into a thriving illustration business.

I create custom illustrations of homes, pets, cars, businesses, and schools, alongside a large collection of ready-to-buy landmark prints. My work has been recognised through business awards, publications, and radio features. My mission is to create eye-catching, happy artwork that brings joy to customers and clients and inspires creativity.

I genuinely love what I do and feel incredibly proud of the business I have created and the joy my artwork brings to others.

How it all began

During the 2020 lockdown, I created a hand-drawn portrait of a friend’s home as a birthday gift. The joy it brought her sparked the idea to offer a local house illustration service. The idea grew from losing my regular freelance work and needing to draw on my creativity and resilience to generate a family income, and before long I was creating bespoke portraits across Berkhamsted and beyond.

From there, my work expanded to include homes, pets, cars, camper vans, wedding venues, aeroplanes, and special views, along with my Loved Local Landmark series, celebrating the places people cherish most. I now create vibrant commissions for individuals and businesses, from framed artworks and large wall canvases to striking digital marketing imagery. I also connect with the community through local markets, events, and school workshops, inspiring others to explore their creativity.

Over time, I’ve been humbled to become a recognised artist, winning business awards and appearing in publications and on radio shows. I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a thriving business I love, creating artwork that brings joy, celebrates memories, and makes a lasting impact.

PR & Awards

  • Dacorums Den Winner 2025

    I pitched my business story and growth strategy to the Dacorum Borough Council Dragons Den style panel with great success. I was delighted to be selected as a winner and awarded with funding for my website, social media strategy and ongoing business support.

    Dacorums Den 2025 Winners 

  • Hertfordshire Life Cover Artist

    I was invited to be the Kings Coronation Cover Artist for Hertfordshire Life.

    On hearing my inspiring business story Editor Katy Pearson wrote a 2 page feature "from fashion designer to landmark illustrator. How the pandemic saw Berkhamsted Mum discover a new picture-perfect career."

  • Boss Mums Live Interview

    Trend Radio Monday Afternoon Show with Carly.

    Carly: “I had the great pleasure of having Debbie on The Monday Afternoon Show today at Trend Radio. Her inspiring story of becoming an illustrator truly captivated me. It’s wonderful to see how she balances her career and motherhood, bossing the world like a true Boss Mum. A delightful and motivating guest!

  • Rotary After Dinner Speaker

    Being invited as an after dinner speaker for the Rotary Club was a humbling inspiring, great experience.

  • Magazine Cover Artist

    My loved local landmark illustrations have become a popular cover choice for local publications.

  • Centenary Celebrations

    I was commissioned by Berkhamsted School to create a commemorative artwork to celebrate the Centenary of their Library and School heritage.