Mandy Johnson holds a National Diploma in Art and Design from Manchester Metropolitan University. On completing her Diploma, she famously declared art “too difficult” and pivoted to a Law degree at a red brick university.

She began her career at Deloitte, gaining further professional qualifications before moving into the not-for-profit sector, where her impact and ambition quickly set her apart. With an MSc in Charity Management and a series of high-profile achievements and awards, she rose rapidly through leadership roles, becoming a CEO at just 32.

In 2017, Johnson experienced a period of severe clinical depression that put her life at risk. Through support from an NHS therapist, she reconnected with her artistic roots — a process she later described as “drawing myself back to life.”

This turning point led to the founding of Sketchnotes UK, an organisation that uses simple words and vibrant illustrations to make complex ideas more engaging and accessible. Its international client list now includes organisations such as Facebook, Nationwide and the Scottish Government.

Johnson is currently Chief Doodler at Sketchnotes UK, specialising in work with organisations focused on social change. As she puts it, “I want my work to raise the voices of those who are too often unheard by people with power.”

Alongside this, she maintains a daily personal art practice, which she describes as part of the “medication” that keeps her alive. Her work is bold, colourful and optimistic, often drawing inspiration from children’s toys, nature, animals and the joyful details of everyday life.

Working across a wide range of mediums — including collage, alcohol ink and resin — Johnson’s practice is defined by experimentation. Acrylic paint is her go-to, though rarely applied conventionally; she is just as likely to use spray cans, markers, spoons, spatulas, ink stamps or her hands.

Her work has been exhibited in London and across Hertfordshire, including galleries in Hitchin, Wheathampstead, Hatfield and St Albans.