I’ve always had a passion for drawing and, as a child, delighted in reading illustrated storybooks and visiting museums and galleries. Studying Illustration and Design at the Chelsea School of Art, London, I was hugely privileged to have been taught by Quentin Blake. He gave me the confidence to work in a free style and encouraged me in my dream of working as an illustrator.

Most of my working life has been spent within the publishing industry, but I have also created greetings cards and stationery; both individual items and ranges. More recently, I have introduced a bespoke gifts service.

The e-card service was my younger brother’s idea – as a way of getting my work seen by a wider audience. www.gabrielleizen.com finally went live in January 2004, after many late nights of hard work and much support from family and friends.

A cottage industry in many respects, all illustrations are hand drawn by me from my workman’s cottage in Kent – the garden of England. I create all the e-cards, bespoke and corporate commissions from my home studio – overlooking my own garden.

My business philosophy is simple – run on principles that are important to me and reflect my values. www.gabrielleizen.com carries no advertising and client lists are not sold on to anyone. In my own life, as well as my business, I value customer service and want my clients to feel special and for my business to grow through recommendation.

With a genuine love of what I do for a living, I aim to provide the best quality e-cards service on the internet. Customer feedback is always welcome and valued. Please email me at: info@gabrielleizen.com

My cards represent traditional English values of gentle humour, consideration and courtesy. I believe that humour makes the world a better place and hope that my work brings a little colour into daily lives – and a few smiles along the way.

Committed to giving something back, however small, www.gabrielleizen.com is proud to support Action Against Hunger. To help people in their struggle to feed themselves and their families, our support does make a difference. For more information or to make online donations, please visit www.aahuk.org