Sarah began drawing and painting at a young age, going on to earn an illustration degree at Blackpool and Fylde College of Art and Design.

“My tutor was the late David Johnston, a professional parrot and macaw illustrator. He was the first person whose opinion really mattered to me. His art was exceptional but his method was a little unusual.

He’d simply do his own work and let us learn by watching. It’s actually a brilliant way to get a student to really concentrate on what choices to make and what techniques they need to master. I must have been pretty keen. He once appeared over my shoulder when I was working on my final dissection piece and said, ‘Nice, you’re looking at a distinction for that.’ I was bowled over, could have hung my brushes up right there!”