Maria Harding is a multidisciplinary artist, designer and illustrator with a passion for all things colourful and creative.

Illustration

If you love quirky and cute animal characters, magical forests and secret gardens, then you are in the right place! With a keen eye for colour and a whimsical touch, Maria brings stories to life through her adorable and imaginative illustrations.

Since the publication of her first picture book Animal ABC in 2018, Maria’s cute animal characters have delighted children and parents alike, and its popularity is growing with copies now being sold worldwide.

Maria works in a variety of mediums including pencil, watercolour, ink, Procreate and Photoshop. She has an honors degree in Fine Art with a painting major, and over 20 years’ experience running her own freelance graphic design and fine art business. She has recently wound down her fine art practice to focus on the creative outlet that fills her with the most joy: children’s picture book illustrations! 

Originally from the UK, Maria is now based in Sydney’s inner west where she works from her home studio with her little cavalier king charles spaniel never far from her side.

Fine Art

Maria earned her Fine Art honors degree at Liverpool University, UK and her work is included in numerous private collections across the world including Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Spain and France. Handpicked to show at The Other Art Fair 2019 and 2021 presented by Saatchi Art in Sydney

“Painting is my way of entering the flow of creation, that elusive state where we find ourselves totally absorbed in what we’re doing. My current fascination with birds began in a meditation, where I imagined myself soaring and gliding through a beautiful sunset. This evolved into a series of paintings which I feel, more than ever before in my work, embodies this magical sense of flow.”

Original art available for sale at Bluethumb Gallery.

Graphic Design

As a designer, Maria helps brands and companies grow their businesses by attracting the ideal customer through beautifully designed print and online campaigns, brochures and promotional materials.

With over two decades of experience spanning print, digital, and social media design. Her journey in the creative field began with a passion for print design in the publishing industry, where she honed her skills in typography, layout, and editorial design. Over the years, Maria seamlessly transitioned into the digital realm, embracing new technologies and trends while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional design principles.

Her keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation for producing impactful visual identities and compelling user experiences.

With a friendly, calm nature, Maria is known for her collaborative approach and client-focused attention. She thrives on understanding her clients' unique needs and translating them into designs that resonate with their target audiences. Whether working independently or leading a creative team, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for pushing boundaries in design.

Graphic design portfolio