Her father signed her up to do a Chinese Painting class at the Shanghai Institute of Fine Art, which she loved so much she stayed for three years, moving to the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Art. Much of this experience made its way into her Young Adult novel, Chenxi and the Foreigner, as well influencing her illustration style. She illustrated Millie, written by John Marsden, entirely in brush and ink. The Rainbirds, by David Metzenthen, was heavily influenced by Chinese aesthetic and composition.

She loves writing and illustrating and can`t think of any job that could make her happier. She also travels to schools in Australia and around the world, running workshops or performing in festivals.