Hi, I’m Vanessa - an illustrator and print designer based in Torquay, on Victoria’s surf coast.

With over a decade of experience, my creative work sits at the intersection of art and design. I studied fashion illustration in my late teens, which sparked a love for drawing people - a thread that’s remained the backbone of my practice ever since.

By day, I work as a designer for a global lifestyle brand, creating art and prints for products that live in homes, hands and suitcases around the world. On the side, I run a small studio practice that brings together everything I love: slow, expressive pencil portraiture and modern, commercially-driven surface design.

I’ve taught hundreds of students how to draw (both online and in person), collaborated with like-minded brands, and built a curated print library called Print Haven, where apparel labels can license exclusive textile prints.

These days, I split my time between developing new print collections and taking on a small number of custom portrait commissions - mostly drawn from beautifully composed wedding, maternity or engagement photography.

Outside of work, I’m either wrangling small children, chasing my Italian greyhound, or climbing imaginary hills on my spin bike for fun/punishment.

I’m always happy to connect and discuss new projects, collaborations, or just say hello. Feel free to reach out at hello@vanessavanderhaven.com — I look forward to hearing from you!