IT IS easy to see why Kelly Smith's whimsical and breath-taking illustrations have received worldwide acclaim.
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The Tasmanian artist has refined her talents to capture the personalities of the realistic and beautiful women in her sketches.
Under her brand Birdy & Me, Smith's impressive list of high profile clients has grown to include H&M, Vogue, The Sunday Times and most recently she has worked with Mount Franklin and Samantha Wills to support the McGrath Foundation.
Born with an obvious natural gift, Smith said she has slowly developed her personal style over many years.
"I've been drawing for about as long as I can remember.
"I truly believe that the more you do something the better you get at it so I'm always trying to refine my work and make it better," she said.
Smith's work has continued to evolve as she experiments with different materials and techniques.
"Pencils for me were always the most comfortable tool and about 95 per cent of my illustrations are created purely in pencil.
"I've experimented with other tools to finish them off - whether it be paint, textas or digital colouring.
"I like the idea of coming up with a bit of a story behind each artwork and trying to capture it in one image."
Heavily influenced by fashion, she said she was inspired by this as it adds an extra element to her work.
"It lends itself so well to illustration as it's all movement, silhouette and texture."
In 2014 Smith worked together with Mount Franklin, the McGrath Foundation and Samantha Wills to design labels for the company's water bottles.
The collaborative campaign worked towards raising awareness and funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"To be able to create the imagery for (Samantha Will's) vision for the Mount Franklin bottles was an extremely flattering and humbling experience, especially given that it was for such an important cause," Smith said.
Looking back on where she is now, Smith said she only ever dreamt that she would be where she is today.
Working from a small office in her Hobart home, client demand for her work continues to grow each year.
"It still blows my mind that I get to draw all day, my 10 year old self would never believe it.
"There are definitely a lot of challenges associated with working for yourself; it's a competitive industry and it can be hard to separate work from home life at times, but there is a lot of freedom in it which I'm very grateful for.
"To have people respond to your work in such an enthusiastic and positive way is the best feeling."
Smith has worked hard for her successes and has set herself up as a Tasmanian artist to watch in the future.
"I do definitely set goals for myself - dream jobs or dream clients.
"I'm going to try to take some time in 2015 to build up my personal folio and create new artworks for my shop, which is probably my first love.
"Of course it would be nice if I could pick up a few of those dream jobs, but if I can keep doing what I'm doing, I'll be happy."
To browse through Smith's illustrations, visit her online shop or for more information go to www.birdyandme.com.au.