About Rachel

​​

At the end of 2022 Rachel made the decision to focus solely on growing Let’s Create Art Club, stepping away from her employed work and career of over two decades in Visual Merchandising management. This allowed her to welcome more children and expand her creative offer to additional age groups.

​

In 2026 Rachel was honoured to be voted one of Swindon and Wiltshire’s Most Inspirational Women, in recognition of her contribution to children’s creativity and wellbeing in the community.

​

In early 2023 Rachel completed a 90-hour certification to become a Creative Mindfulness Practitioner and now delivers these sessions in schools and to individuals, supporting both children and adults to explore creativity in a calm, encouraging environment.

Rachel graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Fine Art Drawing from Swindon College of Art and Design in 2001, having previously completed a GNVQ in Art and Design in 1999. Alongside her work with children, she also undertakes occasional people and pet portrait commissions in graphite and watercolour. Since 2020 she has completed several mindfulness-based art courses, enriching the ethos of her clubs and camps and deepening her belief in giving children time, space and freedom to create.

Being creative — drawing, making and writing — has been part of Rachel’s life since childhood. Starting work in retail at 15, she naturally gravitated to the most creative elements: merchandising and window displays. This became the foundation of a 25-year career in visual merchandising as a VM Manager, industry editorial writer and consultant.

In her mid-to-late twenties Rachel illustrated children’s art and wrote personalised poems that were gifted to others — including one memorable marriage proposal (which was thankfully accepted!).

Like many parents, raising three children while working full-time meant long stretches without time to draw. The unexpected pause of 2020 became a turning point, offering space to reconnect with creativity. That rediscovery led Rachel to consider how she could help others experience the same joy and calm that creating had always given her.

In January 2020 she began a small after-school art club at her children’s school for just 15 children, simply seeking a creative outlet. She never imagined it would grow into what Let’s Create Art Club is today.

​

"It has been an absolute joy to welcome thousands of children into Let’s Create — seeing their faces light up with pride and hearing the wonderfully imaginative stories that accompany their creations. Today around 300 young artists attend Let’s Create sessions each week, and I look forward to welcoming many more in the years ahead."

Rachel x

​

Qualifications

• Swindon College of Art and Design — Higher National Diploma, Fine Art Drawing

• Swindon College of Art and Design — GNVQ Art and Design

• Creative Mindfulness Ltd — Creative Mindfulness Practitioner

• Renaissance Life Therapies — CPD Arts Therapy (student perspective, self-healing and application)

• Designated Safeguarding Lead — Let’s Create Art Club Ltd

• Tigerlily Training — Paediatric First Aid

​

Commissioning your portrait

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

I can accept bookings via email, my social media accounts or here via my website, where we can discuss the finer details regarding your chosen photo and size etc. All available sizes and prices can be found in the 'Rachel Bray' page though I will happily discuss this and other options with you. To secure your commission I require a minimum 50% deposit (non-refundable) which will be processed here and which will be taken off your total. The remaining balance is to be paid on completion (you will receive photo confirmation) and before collection or shipping. I will be able to give you an idea on wait time and will always do my best to meet any deadlines regarding birthdays and anniversaries.

​

Reference Photos

​

In order to create the best quality portraits and to capture as much detail as possible, I require high quality, clear photos. I will endeavor to work with your favourite/ chosen image so please bear the quality in mind when selecting, I will also provide advice if I don't feel the image is suitable. Photos are to be sent via email where possible as this helps retain the quality but I will accept them over other messaging services if it isn't possible.

I will let you know I have started on your portrait and send you an image of its initial stages and will communicate with you if need be, around finer details such as collars or shadow for example - please bear in mind I replicate photos and this includes shadows. 

​

​