About me

I’m Debbie – a designer, illustrator, and proud mum to two beautiful girls. After 20 years in the fashion industry as a childrenswear designer, I launched Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates during the 2020 lockdown.

My business idea evolved after losing my regular freelance design work and needing to draw on my resilience and creativity to come up with an idea to generate a family income.

It’s been a wonderful, positive story to grow from the pandemic, and one I’m proud to share with my daughters as an example of determination and creative reinvention.

Over time, I am humbled to have become a recognised artist, winning business awards and sharing my story through features in numerous publications and appearances on radio shows.

I consider myself so lucky to have created something I really enjoy, it is so rewarding to create artwork that brings joy into peoples lives.

How it all began

It all started with a lockdown birthday gift for a friend a hand-drawn portrait of her home, simply because I could. The joy it brought her was unforgettable, and it sparked the idea to offer a local house illustration service. The response was enormous, and before long I was creating bespoke portraits across Berkhamsted and beyond.

From there, my work grew to include joyful, hand-drawn illustrations of 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 businesses, from framed artworks and large wall canvases to striking digital marketing imagery. I love connecting with the community through local markets, events and running school workshops, inspiring others to follow their creative passions.

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.