Ngaire Linde: My Artistic Journey

From Humble Beginnings to Cherished Connections

My journey as an artist started in 2017. Before that, I hadn’t touched art since high school, and honestly, I wasn’t very good back then. I remember getting a D in Year 7, and that was about the end of my artistic ambitions. But when I picked up a pencil again years later, I found I just really enjoyed drawing. I started with pencil drawings of pets and wildlife because, well, I like dogs and birds—it’s as simple as that.

There have been bumps along the way. A few years ago, I had a rough patch and stopped drawing for a while. That turned out to be a mistake because getting back into it—and finding clients again—was harder than I expected. Still, every drawing helps me grow and keeps me moving forward.

The Unique Focus of My Art

What makes my artwork different? I think it’s the attention to detail. Whether I’m working on custom pet portraits, personalized pet artwork, or wildlife illustrations, I try to capture the essence of my subject and make it personal.

I’ve chosen colored pencils as my main medium because they’re approachable. Paints feel intimidating to me, and even though I do some digital pet portraits on Procreate, pencils are where I’m most comfortable. They let me focus on the things I really care about: wildlife and pets.

Australian wildlife art, in particular, plays a big part in my work. Living in the country, I’m surrounded by trees, landscapes, and birds. Australian birds fascinate me with their beauty and resilience. They’re tough little creatures that survive against the odds, and I’m constantly inspired by their variety and character.

Crafting Memories: My Artistic Process

When I’m creating custom pet portraits, especially hand-drawn pet portraits, I always start with a good reference photo. I pay close attention to the details in the photo so I can capture the subject as accurately as possible. Throughout the process, I send progress shots to my clients, so they can provide feedback and make sure it’s turning out the way they want.

I believe drawings can hold memories and keep them fresh. Whether it’s a beloved pet or a favorite wildlife scene, I want my art to mean something to the person who owns it.

The Story Behind “Old Friends”

The name “Old Friends” comes from a deeply personal moment. After a dear friend passed away, I was sitting with her parents, and they told me about the piwakawaka (New Zealand fantail). It’s said to be a symbol of an old friend visiting you. That idea stuck with me. I like to think we should treasure our old friends and look for them in the quiet spaces of our lives. My art is a way of cherishing those connections and memories.

Art for Everyone

I don’t think art should just hang in galleries. It should be seen, worn, and enjoyed in everyday life. That’s why I offer my designs through Redbubble, where people can find my work on things like shirts and mugs. For custom pet portraits, I aim to create a faithful reproduction of the subject. I use artist-grade materials to ensure the quality lasts—the colours won’t fade, and I ship everything in acid-free packaging to protect it. Plus, shipping is included, which is always a bonus!

A Personal Touch

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me as an artist, it’s that I’m still learning. I’m not self-taught—I’m YouTube-taught, Udemy-taught, and taught by random snippets I find on the internet. Every drawing helps me improve, and I’m always working to get better.

When someone buys my art, I hope it brings them joy and stirs happy memories. Whether it’s a custom pet portrait, a wildlife illustration, or any other piece, I put my heart into every drawing to make it meaningful.

An Invitation

If you’re looking for something unique for your home, a gift, or a personal keepsake, I’d love for you to check out my work. As a unique Australian artist, my prices are reasonable for the time and care I put into each piece. I use high-quality materials and always do my best to make something you’ll love. So, if you’re after custom artwork for pet lovers or animal-inspired art that’s personal, thoughtful, and made with love, I’m your person. Choose me—I promise I’ll give it my all!