Creative Life & Me
Introducing
Helen Donnison
Hi, I’m Helen Donnison, a lifelong learner, creative spirit, and passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing.
I’ve always been drawn to creative people and beautiful handmade things. I’d wander through craft markets, get lost in art galleries, and couldn’t resist the lure of art and stationery stores — even though I never felt like I was “artistic enough” to make anything myself. I wanted to be creative… but I honestly didn’t even know where to start.
In 2018, I finally enrolled in my first watercolour painting class. My early attempts were so bad I wanted to cry — but something in me decided to keep showing up. I added online courses to the mix and, when COVID lockdowns began, my panic buying wasn’t toilet paper — it was art books and supplies.
That’s when I discovered slow drawing, mindful art practices, and mixed media art journalling. In 2022, I joined Wanderlust, an online art journalling course, and made a promise to myself: Try everything, even if I’m hopeless.
Most of my work was pretty bad to begin with. But I kept going. Little by little, I learned new skills, built confidence, and began to discover what I loved — and what I could get better at with practice.
I stopped trying so hard to ‘get it right’ and started playing instead. Over time, I started to find my artistic style.
I still don’t always feel comfortable calling myself an artist — but I’m definitely living a creative life now. I make art almost every day, even if it’s just a sketch or a page in my art journal. I up cycle furniture, sew, redecorate, splash around with watercolour, and toy with mixed media. It brings me joy, clarity, and a deep sense of fulfilment.
Creative Life was born from that journey — from the courage to begin, the commitment to keep going, and the discovery that creativity is something we grow into through practice, patience, and play.
Now I teach the kind of classes I wish I’d found at the beginning — warm, welcoming spaces where you’re encouraged to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process. You don’t need to be ‘good’ at art. You just need to show up and have some fun with it.
And maybe, like me, you’ll discover a creative life waiting for you too.
My career began in the world of science. I earned a Master’s degree in molecular biology, physiology, and genetics, but after a few years working in research labs and having three children, I realised I was searching for a career that felt more meaningful.
So I pivoted — diving into natural medicine, mainly herbs and nutrition. I completed a four-year diploma in herbal medicine and nutrition (in just three years), and launched my private practice in 2003. Since then, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge in holistic health, always with the goal of helping people feel better in their bodies, minds, and lives.
In 2020, my focus shifted more toward hypnotherapy and life coaching, as I saw how powerful the mind is in shaping our health and happiness. Around the same time I was exploring art and journalling for my own wellbeing, and I began to see how powerful creativity could be — not just for me, but for my clients with anxious, overactive minds. Many were naturally creative, but hadn’t yet found a helpful way to channel that energy.
In 2024, I built an art studio onto the back of my house and began teaching watercolour and mixed media art classes in October of that year.
Creative Life brings together my group coaching, art classes, and workshops — all designed to support wellbeing and help my clients and students create a life that feels joyful and fulfilling. Whether it’s through mindful art-making, creative exploration, or meaningful inner work, I believe the path to happiness lies in simple, nourishing practices we return to again and again.
For me, the most powerful tools for wellbeing are:
- Nutrition and herbal medicine to keep me healthy and well
- Physical activity – walking, dancing, and yoga to stay fit, strong and supple
- Hypnotherapy to help me overcome challenges and achieve the goals I set for myself
- Creativity – making things with my hands, which brings joy and satisfaction
- Connection – being socially active is essential for my emotional wellbeing
Whatever brings you here, I hope you find encouragement, inspiration, and a gentle nudge toward a more creative and fulfilling life.