About Juliana Johanna

once upon a time a little girl met a blackbird

Hello, here you can read a little about Juliana – that’s me!

I live in the beautiful Waveney Valley in Norfolk. Halfway between where I grew up in Nottingham and my second childhood home in the Netherlands.

My artistic journey began with an art foundation certificate, followed by a BA Hons degree in Graphic Design. After working as an illustrator and designer for the award-winning game and puzzle manufacturer Orchard Toys, I ventured into motherhood and began sharing my passions through Little Liefje.

When I think back, I realise the seeds of my path were planted long ago with a special encounter I had as a child…

Juliana sitting on a bench at Blickling Hall and smiling at the camera, for her ‘about Juliana’ page.
A young Juliana lying on the grass looking at a blackbird, for her ‘about Juliana’ page.

At around five years old, I met a blackbird with a little white feather on his wing. He stood nearby as I watched in awe. My mum hurried to find a camera, and, as the photo shows, the patient blackbird waited. He visited many times, filling me with joy and wonder.

That connection with something wild and free – where the little fellow didn’t have to wait – felt magical. It’s this sense of connection that I hope every child experiences. A bond with the flora and fauna around them, nurturing their appreciation for the natural world.

This connection with nature is a constant calming backdrop for me, creating a feeling of home.

Read more about my process here
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