Sometimes I like to blend in... Other times I don't.

How colourful wigs became part of my creative life.

Most days, I'm quite happy blending into the background. I'm happiest in my studio with a sketchbook, a cup of tea and very little fuss. But every now and then... I fancy bright blue hair! There's another side of me that quite enjoys stepping out from behind the drawing board. The wigs seem to give that playful side permission to come out for a while. And let's be honest... it's good not to take ourselves too seriously sometimes.

Recently, I've had Madonna's new album, Confessions II, on repeat. One of the themes running through the album is the idea of creating different personas, and it really resonated with me. It made me realise that's exactly what these wigs represent. Not because I want to become someone else, but because they're a chance to play. I usually wear them when I'm travelling rather than at home, although as I've got older I've found myself caring a little less about what other people might think. Life feels much more enjoyable when you stop worrying about blending in all the time.

It all started with a trip to Paris: I visited the wonderfully extravagant Crazy Horse Paris, where the dancers wore beautifully cut bob wigs in every imaginable colour.

I was completely captivated. Naturally, I had to buy one. One quickly became two... That's when I discovered the beautifully crafted wigs by Raphaël Perruque, and before long a baby pink bob had joined the collection.

Crazy Horse Wig by Raphaël Perruque

Looking back, perhaps it isn't that surprising. I've always loved drawing people and imagining characters, so trying on a different look every now and then feels strangely familiar. A blue bob or a pink fringe isn't about becoming someone else. It's more like borrowing a different mood for the afternoon.

As an illustrator, I'm constantly thinking about colour, shape and personality. Those same things appear in the clothes we wear too. I've never really been interested in following fashion trends, but I do enjoy using fashion as another creative outlet. One of the things I love most about being an illustrator is that inspiration rarely arrives while I'm sitting at my desk trying to force it. It usually appears while wandering through a new city, visiting an exhibition or simply just people-watching. Occasionally, it arrives while wearing an outrageously bright blue wig. Changing something as simple as my hair colour for a few hours somehow encourages me to notice the world a little differently. Whether that's because I'm paying more attention or just having more fun, I'm not entirely sure.

I've realised over the years that creativity isn't something I switch on when I start work. It's woven into everyday life, into travelling, into collecting little moments and most importantly into trying something unexpected! Those playful moments often find their way back into my illustrations without me even noticing. Perhaps that's why creating my wearable art collection felt like such a natural step. It's still illustration— just on a different canvas.

Beyoncé Concert - wearing my Amber Jean Wig

Will the wigs stay? Almost certainly. The older I get, the less interested I am in worrying what people might think. Ironically, wearing a bright blue wig has taught me that most people don't judge at all. More often than not, they smile, ask where it's from or strike up a conversation. That's been a rather lovely surprise. So I'll continue happily exploring both sides of my personality: the quiet illustrator who loves long days in the studio, and the slightly flamboyant one who occasionally fancies bright blue hair on a night out. As it turns out, both versions are equally me.