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About me

London-based Turkish digital illustrator and former BBC journalist with a passion for creative storytelling, witty narratives and warm, whimsical character design.

Under the name The Hawthorn Fairy, I create character-driven illustrations for children's books, picture books and editorial projects - building worlds that feel handmade, warm and a little peculiar. From woodland creatures with strong opinions to mothers with quiet magic, my characters bring playfulness, mischief, humour and heart to every page.

I recently collaborated in solidarity with Ajudaris, a Portuguese children's charity, illustrating stories written by young schoolchildren.

I bring ten years of BBC World Service storytelling instinct to everything I make: find the untold human story that drives emotion and connection.

Available for children's book illustration, picture book projects, character design, animal illustration and editorial commissions.

Details

AvailabilityLooking for work

ContractPerm, Freelance, Temp-Perm, Part time, Remote

LocationLondon, United Kingdom

Skill LevelJunior, Middleweight, Senior

LanguagesEnglish, Turkish, French

Tagged Job TitlesCreative, Digital Illustrator, Journalist

Recommendations

Currently No Recommendations

Skills

Audio, Character Design, Content, Content Management, Digital Art, Digital Marketing, Editing, Editorial Design, Illustration, Journalism, Radio, SEO, Video Production, Video-Journalism, Voice Over

Sector Experience

Communications, Creative Services, Media

Activity

Connections31 Followers33 Following160

Likes22

Creativepool member since 30 April 2026

Work
Articles
Achievements
Activity

Oyku's work

The Grumpy Owl and His Nosy Assistant

Berries Before Breakfast

The Morning Routine

The fairy, the comrade and the magic tree

Madame Jacqueline's Solo Valentine's Day

Woodland Games - The Proud Giraffe's Triumph

Baglama: Anatolian Strings and A Tribute to Family

Freya: Goddess of love

All is bright.

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