I am an Aussie marine ecologist, artist, graphic recorder and children’s author/illustrator who specialises in creative and visual communications. I love to live my life in colour and believe in the power of positive storytelling. I combine my training as a marine scientist and my experience as a strategic planner with my imaginative skills as an artist to help people, teams and organisations to “Picture your ideas” through visual storytelling.

As a graphic recorder I have worked with a wide range of people and groups from indigenous communities, schools, Governments, business and industry and scientists to draw out local, regional and international ideas and issues (find out more about my Graphic Recording Services).

I am SO excited and proud of my first children’s picture book, The Great Barrier Thief, which I have written and illustrated as my alter ego Dr Suzie Starfish. This story illustrates the impacts of climate change on our Great Barrier Reef and gives children (and all readers) hope that WE can all do something to help protect and save the Reef, if we can cool things down NOW!

One of my passions is making learning visual and FUN so I love visiting schools around Australia as my alter ego Dr Suzie Starfish (Author/Illustrator) to bring our ‘Living Oceans’ into classrooms. I use the art of marine science and storytelling, which you can ‘sea’ through my Creative Education. It is my hope that my creative approach to education and visual learning helps students to think in colour and use their imagination, as “Logic will get you from A to B, Imagination will take your everywhere” (Albert Einstein)! From my experiences in the classroom it’s important to give students the opportunity to “Just IMAGINE!!“, which gives them a sense of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking — which I hope helps kids to think in colour and to care. I also believe in sharing my life of ESTEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) with our youth to show that you can turn something you love into something you live, like me!

I have over 15 years experience in research and development, marine conservation planning, natural resource management and strategic planning due to the varied roles I have held across Government and Research Organisations. I have led the development of public policies across numerous priority portfolios including agriculture, regional economic development and transport planning with specialities in Marine Park planning, aquaculture industry development and natural resource management. I have a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, where I am also an adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre of Biodiversity and Conservation Science. I also draw upon my professional and research experiences and creative skills to help “Picture your ideas” through visual storytelling Workshops.

My science background and artistic capabilities provide people with a unique suite of creative services including:

• Visual Storytelling through Graphic Recording & Sketchnotes
• Infographics & Illustrations
• Working with Kids (Art-into-Marine Science)
• Children’s Picture Book Author/Illustrator
• Creative & Visual Workshops
• Science Communications (making a Comm-Ocean!)
• Original Artworks

I was brought up in regional Queensland, Australia and have always had a deep love, fascination and devotion for the ocean. Beach time, snorkelling, drawing, doodling and creating quirky characters are my fondest memories growing up which probably led to my alter ego Dr Suzie Starfish, who shares marine art and science storytelling. So you could say I have always been ‘drawn’ to the ocean!!

To be passionate about our Blue Planet and the world around us you also have to be passionate about genuinely engaging and communicating with people as it is people’s activities and impacts we manage and educate about, not ocean creatures and habitats. I believe through creative communication we can inform, inspire and illustrate how we can learn, live and love our ecosystems and “sea” the big picture. So my marine mantra, my Comm-Ocean, is if you understand and love it you may be more moved to look after and protect it. So dive in with me as Dr Suzie Starfish to explore the wonders of the underwater world.

If you have any questions about how I can help you to “Picture your ideas” please 

*Artists Impressum: Intellectual Property and Copyright of the visual products, artworks, stories and images on this website are retained by the artist and images may not be used or altered without written permission from the artist as per Australian Copyright Law. Copyright © 2018 Dr Sue Pillans.