Turning Your Memories Into Art: Custom Illustrations By Ashley Chapman

There’s something incredibly special about seeing a moment you love transformed into a piece of art.

Alongside my photography and graphic design services, I also offer custom illustration designs — a creative add-on that allows your favourite images to live on in a completely new, playful, and artistic way.

From photograph to illustration

What makes these illustrations so meaningful is that they’re created from real moments I’ve already captured for you.

Whether it’s:

• You and your pet during one of our shoots

• A family moment filled with laughter

• A branding session that truly reflects you

I take those photographs and reimagine them as illustrated artworks, carefully designed to still feel like you, just with a little extra magic ✨

Because I’ve already photographed you, your family, or your pet, I understand the details that matter — the expressions, the bond, the personality. That’s what allows these illustrations to feel personal rather than generic.

A natural extension of my graphic design work

These illustrations tie beautifully into the graphic design side of my business. They’re not just cute drawings — they’re intentionally designed pieces that can be styled, customised, and used across multiple platforms.

Each illustration is created with:

• Clean, modern lines and cartoon themed

• Thoughtful colour choices

• A timeless yet playful feel

This makes them versatile, high-quality, and suitable for both personal and professional use.

How you can use your illustration

Your custom illustration can be used in so many meaningful ways:

• Wall art or prints for your home

• Social media profile photos or posts

• Website graphics or branding elements

• Custom stationery or thank-you cards

• Phone wallpapers or digital keepsakes

For business owners, these illustrations can add a unique, human touch to your brand — something that instantly feels personal and memorable.

Perfect for Gifting (and Keeping for Yourself)

Custom illustrations also make incredibly meaningful gifts. They’re thoughtful, personal, and completely unique — something that can’t be bought off a shelf.

Some of the most popular gifting ideas include:

• A pet illustration for a birthday, anniversary, or “just because” gift

• A family illustration as a keepsake for grandparents

• A couple or engagement illustration as a wedding or Valentine’s gift

• A memorial illustration honouring a beloved pet

Because the final artwork is delivered digitally, it’s easy to print and frame, turn into a canvas, use as a phone wallpaper, or include in a photo book. Many clients also choose to print their illustration onto stationery, mugs, or even clothing.

From Photograph to Illustration: A Creative Process Rooted in Emotion

What makes these illustrations so special is that they begin with a real moment — a laugh shared during a family shoot, the way your dog tilts their head when they hear your voice, or the quiet connection between you and your horse in golden hour light. Because I’ve been there, behind the lens, I understand the story behind the image. That emotional context plays a huge role in how I approach each illustration.

Rather than simply tracing a photo, I take time to interpret it artistically. I soften lines, simplify shapes, and choose colours that reflect the mood of the moment. The result is an artwork that feels warm, personal, and timeless — something that holds onto the feeling of the day, not just how it looked.

This process also allows for creative freedom. Backgrounds can be minimal and modern, colours can be adapted to suit your home or brand palette, and small meaningful details — like a favourite collar, bandana, or item of clothing — can be intentionally highlighted.

A Seamless Add-On to Your Photoshoot Experience

One of the things clients love most about these illustrations is how seamlessly they fit into the overall experience. After your photoshoot, once you’ve received your gallery and selected your favourite images, you have the option to turn one (or more) of those photographs into a custom illustration.

Because the artwork is based on a professionally captured image, the final result is polished and high quality — perfect for both digital and print use. It’s also a wonderful way to extend the life of your photos beyond albums and frames, giving them a fresh, creative form that feels a little unexpected.

For branding clients, this add-on works beautifully as part of a bigger visual identity. Illustrations can be used as profile images, website accents, highlight covers, packaging elements, or even custom stickers and thank-you cards. It’s a subtle but powerful way to make your brand feel more personal and recognisable.

At the heart of these illustrations is storytelling. They’re not just about creating something cute or trendy — they’re about celebrating connection, personality, and moments that matter.

If you’ve booked a photoshoot with me — whether it’s for your family, your pet, or your brand — and you’re looking for a creative way to elevate those images even further, a custom illustration might be the perfect finishing touch.

It’s art created from real memories, designed with intention, and made to be treasured for years to come.

If you’d like to add a custom illustration to your next photoshoot, or you’re curious to learn more about how this works, feel free to get in touch. I’d love to create something truly special for you.