An artist who saw redundancy as her “sign from the universe” to be a full-time creative is documenting Newark’s buildings and couples’ big days.
Claire Harrison took the leap to pursue her business WTF Illustrations full-time in November 2025, after a 30-year career in design — including a stint at the Newark Advertiser in the late 90s.
The painter puts her talents to use creating unique wedding keepsakes, live illustration sessions, greetings cards, and commissioned work for businesses such as estate agents, with a particular interest in recreating historic and beautiful buildings on her canvases.
Artist Claire Harrison of WTF Illustrations with one of her paintings. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
While new as a business venture, Claire has long been pursuing her passion on the side — with paintings sold off the walls in a Newark restaurant, and cards created for family and friends.
“I’ve always been in design, I went to art college and always painted,” she said.
“I started just posting on Instagram and Facebook initially in 2018 — and it was called WTF Illustrations because my friends wanted rude things on their cards.
“My friends at work really pushed me to pursue it as a business. One of them paid me in McDonalds, I’d paint cards and we’d go for a Friday office McDonalds.”
When she was made redundant in November, Claire took it as a “sign from the universe to go for this full-time”.
Now, alongside her personalised cards, she offers live illustration for weddings, parties, and corporate events, and is commissioned to create illustrated cards for vendors and purchasers when a property sale completes with Buttercross Estates.
Artist Claire Harrison of WTF Illustrations with some of her art work. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
Claire said: “Live illustration has become more and more popular over the past few years, and I also love painting old buildings.
“A hotel in Rugby has even commissioned me to paint their venue every time there is a wedding, so they can buy the picture and give it to the couple as a gift. I’ve also created paintings with the venue and a border around where all the guests can sign as a keepsake, instead of a guest book.”
The artist’s work is predominantly watercolour, and incorporates iridescent features as she is a “magpie with sparkly paints”.
Looking forward, Claire is keen to expand her partnerships with estate agents to create more paintings of homes and buildings for buyers, paint event more weddings, and also continue to sell her work in venues including Newark Art Gallery.
“I’ve sold a few out of there, David Moore has been massively supportive,” Claire added.
Artist Claire Harrison of WTF Illustrations. Photo: David Dawson/Iliffe Media
“I just love Newark, I was born in Bassingham so I’ve not come far, and went to school in Hykeham. I lived in Witham St Hughes for a little while, and then came back to Newark.
“It’s a really nice community and I’ve found that even more so since starting my business. People with other small businesses in town are so supportive. Also being in the Midlands, it has a lot of scope for travelling for weddings and events.”