Hello! I’m Renae Hansen- a creative designer/illustrator and singer/songwriter, a therapist AND a mama of three, based on the Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. Creativity has always been a big part of me though I was in High School when I began to explore my creative interests in more detail, starting with dance, guitar/songwriting and then fashion and textiles design but when choosing a career, I was steered more toward Psychology and Counselling as I was told I couldn’t draw, I couldn’t make money as an artist and I lacked a lot of confidence to put myself out there, seeing my work as flawed instead of self expression. After years of working in welfare and therapy, and following the end of my marriage, I returned to my creative outlets as therapy, teaching myself to draw and trying to make sense of what had happened in my life to lead me to that point. I began to challenge my old beliefs about not being good enough and started to learn that creativity is an essential ingredient that brings me joy and fulfilment. I have been making and sharing my collections of art, fashion and music since and use my background in welfare and counselling in my role as a creative mentor at Heart2Art Creative workshops on the Gold Coast where I facilitate group workshops and one on one sessions with fellow creatives who have diagnosed disabilities, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, ADHD or Autism or any other disability affecting their quality of life. This role is hugely rewarding as I get to share in the creative journey of others as they transform their experiences into art while being inspired in my own work too.