We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nat Wilks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Honestly the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my current one; creating a series of colouring pages and a dedicated colouring book, both set to launch this summer.

I’m a massive believer in how much art and just getting creative can do for mental health and wellbeing. I know first-hand how tough it can be to even start something creative when you’re wrestling with your mental health. The blank page can feel overwhelming and add more stress before you’ve even got started, when all you’re trying to do is find a bit of calm. Despite having a solid creative practice myself, I still use colouring pages to destress and even to get my mind in creative mode.

I’ve really put a lot of thought into developing this project to make it manageable and accessible. As someone who suffers with a chronic illness and needs to be mindful of pacing, I’ve created the pages to include some smaller bite sized illustrations alongside full pages so people can colour something small but still feel accomplished. I’m very aware that colouring a full page in one sitting can be too much and often when someone is struggling with their mental health this can end up feeling like just another failure. It was important to me to create something that had the flexibility to accommodate how the individual is feeling.

That’s exactly why this project means so much to me. I want to be able to help people find those moments of calm and a bit of a creative escape when they need it most. I have gotten so much from colouring pages myself; it has helped me find some calm and creative escape while managing a chronic illness, caring for my father and working on my business. For me, creating something that I truly hope will bring a bit of peace and a creative outlet to people is just incredibly rewarding.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At heart I’m just a dreamer who thrives on being creative. That’s pretty much how I ended up becoming an illustrator and surface designer. I have been creative as long as I can remember and experimented with all different types of art. I still love traditional media but most of my work is digital now. In 2020 there wasn’t much to do, and I was struggling to manage a chronic illness, so my creative life had dwindled until I got an iPad and Procreate. This really helped me to get to where I am as it is a more accessible way for me to create, especially on those bad days and when I’m in a flare up.

My work is all about bringing a bit of joy and whimsy into the world, pulling inspiration from nature, animals and just those small happy moments in everyday life. Think playful charm with a pop of vibrant colour – that’s my vibe. I primarily create illustrations, surface pattern designs and colouring books. The core idea behind my work is to offer a dose of happiness and a creative escape in a world that can sometimes feel pretty grey. My work is available for licensing as I would like to see my work on products around the world, bringing a little joy directly into everyday life. My colouring pages are a super easy way to get into being creative without the overwhelm. I’m a huge believer in how much art can help with mental health and wellbeing. In fact, I’ve even started a podcast called Pencil, Brush and Beyond which dives into all things art and wellbeing.

What sets me apart? I think it’s a genuine blend of whimsical cheerfulness with a real heart for mental health and wellbeing. My designs aren’t just cute, they are created with the intention to uplift, provide a moment of calm, or spark a bit of joy. I truly believe that art can be a form of self-care, and that philosophy is woven into everything I do. It’s not just about making pretty things; it’s about creating things that make you feel good. Oh, and I’m really excited about working towards writing and illustrating my own picture books, which feels like the next big adventure!

The thing I’m most proud of is when my work truly connects with someone. When a message comes in saying my art brightened their day or a colouring page helped them relax, that’s just the best feeling. It’s not just about the finished piece; it’s about the positive impact it can have. Honestly building my brand around something I deeply believe in, spreading happiness and championing mental health through creativity is a source of pride for me.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey to becoming an artist hasn’t exactly been a straight line, and there have definitely been moments where giving up felt like the easiest option. I think a big part of my resilience comes from constantly pushing past what I or others thought I was capable of.

For years I was told pretty directly that I was bad at art. That message sticks with you and it really made me doubt myself. It took me a long time to shake it off and allow myself to create just for the fun of it. That was one hurdle. Then life threw some bigger ones my way. Alongside trying to build an art career, I’ve been managing a chronic illness. There are days when getting out of bed feels like a monumental task, let alone trying to be creative. On top of that I’m also a carer for my father. When you’re juggling your own health issues and have the responsibility of caring for someone else, your personal passions can fall by the wayside.

There have been times when I felt like I had no purpose and my identity was tied up in these roles. When my energy was depleted, my body in pain and my mental space consumed, I found creating in tiny moments gave me some peace and happiness.

My journey is testament to the idea you don’t need to be “special” or have a perfect life to pursue what you love. I’m just an average person navigating life’s ups and downs. But I found something that offered a little bit of joy and purpose when it felt like I had none, and I just kept coming back to it. If I can do it facing my challenges, then I truly believe the opportunity is there for others as well to embrace creativity and find a little happiness amidst it all. It’s about finding that small spark and holding onto it, letting it light your way forward.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, there is a very clear mission driving me, it’s all about advocating for mental health and wellbeing support and ultimately bringing joy to others through my work.

Although I love creating bright and cute artwork, it’s more than just creating pretty pictures. I believe art is a powerful tool for connection and healing. This is my mission going forward – to help and support others through my work, whether that is to encourage others to have their own creative practice or to bring a little joy into their everyday life through seeing my art on products.

Looking ahead I’m excited to expand this mission through storytelling. I want to tell stories that resonate and offer comfort especially to younger audiences, while still maintaining that whimsical and uplifting feel my art is known for. Of course I will continue to connect and encourage people through my podcast Pencil, Brush and Beyond, with plans to expand into other offerings in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.natwilksart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natwilksart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@natwilksart
• Other: Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/natwilksart/