The Artist Behind the Passion: Matilda on Creativity, Conservation and Owning Success

In this episode of Owners Outlook, Shaun sits down with artist, graphic designer, storyteller and wildlife educator Matilda to explore what happens when a lifelong passion becomes more than a creative outlet—it becomes a career, a purpose and a way to contribute to something bigger.Matilda’s creative journey began almost as soon as she could hold a pencil. Drawing became her way of processing emotions, capturing the wildlife around her and expressing how she saw the world. What started as childhood curiosity eventually grew into published books, professional design work and a career built across illustration, storytelling and conservation education.But building a life around creativity hasn’t come without uncertainty.Matilda opens up about procrastination, burnout, freelancing, the pressure to constantly pursue the next achievement and the growing impact of generative AI on artists and designers. Through it all, she continues to return to the same driving force: a genuine love for her craft and a desire to use her creativity to give wildlife a voice.Here’s what you can expect from this episode:Turning Passion Into a CareerHow Matilda began drawing from an early age and used creativity as a form of expression and therapy.The childhood signs that she already had an entrepreneurial mindset.How writing and illustrating a children’s book at 13 showed her that a creative idea could become something real.Why completing one meaningful project can create the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities.Betting on YourselfThe moment Matilda decided to take her creative work seriously and explore freelancing full-time.Why taking a risk doesn’t always mean having everything figured out.How she built momentum by working on her business outside of her regular employment.The importance of backing yourself—even when doing so feels uncomfortable or unrealistic.Procrastination, Productivity and BurnoutWhy creative people can become distracted by the excitement of their next idea.How deadlines, checklists and small wins help Matilda remain focused.The challenge of maintaining passion when creativity becomes your profession.Why rest and reflection are essential when you’re constantly pushing toward the next goal.Creativity in the Age of AIMatilda’s honest perspective on the rise of generative AI and its impact on artists.Why the value of creative work goes beyond the finished product.The passion, relationships and human experience that can’t be replicated through convenience alone.How artists can continue to differentiate themselves through authenticity, care and connection.Wildlife, Conservation and PurposeHow Matilda combines illustration, storytelling and wildlife education.Why she feels responsible for speaking on behalf of animals and plant species that cannot speak for themselves.The importance of drawing attention to lesser-known species—not only the animals that traditionally receive the spotlight.How education can create curiosity, compassion and a desire to protect the natural world.Redefining SuccessWhy high achievers often reach one mountain and immediately begin looking toward the next.Matilda’s experience of being highly driven while struggling to recognise how far she has already come.The role journaling, mindfulness and positive self-talk can play in acknowledging progress.Why owning your success can mean feeling content, happy and proud of the work you’re contributing to the world.What I took from this conversation is that passion isn’t always loud or effortless. Sometimes it looks like finishing the project, taking the risk, pushing through uncertainty and remembering why you began.For Matilda, success isn’t simply about how many projects she completes. It’s about creating meaningful work, contributing to something greater than herself and learning to appreciate the journey while still remaining open to what might come next.