New Year, Same Me - January newsletter
A Festive Season Recap & What’s Ahead
The new year always begins quietly for me — tucked away in my studio, easing back into work after some precious time off with family. Once the Christmas tree is packed away and the decorations stored for another year, it’s back to the rhythm of the desk… usually starting with the dreaded admin that somehow waits patiently until January.
Looking back over the past six weeks, I’m reminded just how full and varied the festive season has been.
Christmas at Ballyfin
The highlight of the season was returning for my third year collaborating with the wonderful team at Ballyfin Demesne. Being trusted once again to mark Christmas and New Year celebrations for their guests is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
There’s something very special about drawing in such a beautiful setting during the festive period with celebrations in full swing. Following a Christmas proposal, I simply had to capture the moment on paper!!
Drawing Live in Dublin
I also spent time drawing live at O’Connell’s in Howth as people returned home for Christmas. This was my second year working there, and those magical days building up to Christmas are filled with so much warmth and anticipation.
Some of the people I drew were locals, others had travelled home from Australia to be with their families, and many were tourists experiencing Christmas in Ireland for the first time. Every portrait carries a little story behind it — and that’s always my favourite part.
O’Connells At Christmas
Guinness Storehouse with Diageo
Another festive highlight was drawing live for Diageo at the Guinness Storehouse, alongside fellow live event artist Allen Cavanagh.
Turning a corporate Christmas celebration into an interactive experience is always such fun. Watching colleagues see themselves captured in real time — and leave with a personalised keepsake — brings such great energy into a room. It’s a real privilege to collaborate year after year with businesses who value creative experiences as part of their seasonal events.
Irish Examiner – Weekend Magazine Cover
I was thrilled to illustrate the cover of the first 2026 edition of the Irish Examiner’s Weekend Magazine.
The theme of the issue was Happiness — exploring how we can seek out small, meaningful moments in everyday life. A quiet coffee in silence (as a parent of a toddler, I felt very seen!). Projects like this are always a joy, especially when I’m given creative freedom to express my own style.
Wedding News
Many of you will know that alongside commercial commissions and brand events, I draw live at weddings — attending celebrations and creating guest portraits as lasting keepsakes.
Behind the scenes, I’m currently developing new packages for 2027 wedding bookings. This year marks my 10th year drawing as The Wedding Illustrator, which feels surreal.
Time really does fly.
That’s all folks
Seeing everything written down like this really makes me realise how full the season has been. A mixture of live events, editorial illustration, corporate collaborations and wedding planning — and plenty more to come.
Here’s to the months ahead.
Linda x
