Nicole Irwood grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, surrounded by nature immersed in various folklore traditions. An avid reader from a young age, she went on to study English Literature at the University of Canterbury, focusing on Gothic themes and illustrated texts.

Her artistic practice began in printmaking, which she developed over several years before transitioning toward ink illustration and book-based work. This shift reflects an ongoing focus on narrative imagery, material process, and slow, deliberate image-making.

Her work explores macabre and peculiar imagery, often building unsettling, atmospheric narrative worlds through traditional ink illustration, bookbinding, and printed matter.

In 2026, she self-published, hand-bound, and released her first artist’s book. She continues to develop independent publications and illustrated book projects under Mimsy Press.

Alongside her studio practice, she shares process work and ongoing projects through her YouTube channel, Patreon and newsletter.