About

Hi my name is Heather Arnold.

I have been a graphic designer/ illustrator for over 24 years. I graduated from Auckland Technical Institute in 1985 with a Diploma in Graphic Design. I have worked for many years in several small design studios and printing companies, as a graphic designer.

I have designed and illustrated five stamp issues for New Zealand Post:- Wildflowers, 1990 Commonwealth Games, Hector's Dolphin, the Rugby League Centenary and the $20 Definitive Stamp.

I attended art classes at Mairangi Arts Centre, on Auckland's North Shore from 2001 - 2006. I wanted to learn more about the different art mediums, including - acrylic, pastel, watercolour and water-based oils. I also attended life drawing classes.

The tutors have been great, sharing their artist knowledge and experience. If you have ever seen a professional artist paint and the way they place paint on a painting, you will see their knowledge, experience, confidence and intent with every brush stroke.

I can report that I have been achieving what I set out to do - the greater understanding of tonal value, design, colour, complimentary colours, the coloured greys and how to employ these, shows in my illustration work

I have also spent time learning the craft of writing - with the hope of one day writing and illustrating my own stories.

I also attended many writing workshops through Kiwi Write4Kidz with esteemed tutors such as Margaret Mahy, John Marsden, David Hill, and Kate de Goldi.

I am also on the management team of Kiwi Write4Kidz, a group that supports children's writers. I have learnt much through attending the groups events and workshops. I have had the opportunity to meet many children's writers and illustrators.

I began the Draw & Paint Series in January 2005 when a friend Belynda Smith, who had seen my work, suggested that I do a drawing book for children - Draw New Zealand Birds.

This is an opportunity for me to share what I have learnt over the years, in the hope that artists of all ages will get a few art materials together and have a go.

In 2008, I completed a diploma in Digital Media at Media Design School in Auckland, designing HTML/CSS/Flash websites.

I now work as a freelance graphic designer/illustrator/web designer. View my portfolio.