After getting a degree in Illustration and Graphic Design, Penny became a freelance fashion illustrator in her native New Zealand before making the move to the UK. She then spent the next 20 years working as a freelance illustrator for clients such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Elizabeth Arden, recognised shops such as Boots and WH Smith, international hotel chains and newspapers. Locally, she has worked for many organisations such as Cambridge Council, Cambridge University Botanic Garden and for festivals such as Latitude.
Penny also teaches and facilitates art workshops in the community with Oblique Arts. This has included young people at Abbey Cambridge, and Roma children with Compas Charity in Peterborough, Cambridge Folk Festival, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge Museum & Tate Modern Exchange and the highly acclaimed Women of Strength Art Exhibition.