Our story & Artist collaboration

Our Story & Artist Collaboration

Our little story behind our project

The seed for our Hoot With Me Global Conservation project was initially planted back in 2020 after reconnecting with a dear friend Mr Gerald Cound. We first met through his beautiful son Jerry, way back in the 90's. Jerry sadly lost his life after receiving his gift of life in the form of two heart transplants, he was an amazing young man and lived life to the fullest.

Gerald is an American based conservationist, he is a true inspiration and believes all animals should be celebrated, from those that are extinct, to species that are Critically Endangered, through to animals that are thriving. With the above in mind, we knew that the only way forward would be to involve the next generation of youth changemakers, to see the world through our youth’s eyes is so important, and that is why our Youth Conservation Council was created, an awesome group of children wanting to make a real difference.

With conservation at the heart of everything we do, we are super proud to be collaborating with amazing artists for our product artwork, including UK based Bella Bigsby, Charlotte Young, Phil Prince, and American based Marty Justice, all incredibly talented artists that we are privileged to have on board.

The art work is inspired by our Youth Conservation Council, a group of youngsters aged 7 to 17 years, all of whom are determined to raise awareness of animal species they are all passionate about. Animals in each collection have therefore been chosen by our youth team members. They have chosen species classed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which each child would like to save from extinction! We have also included owl collections that need help too!

Pictures of Gerald, collaborating Artists and Youth Conservation Council Members.

Gerald & his wife Sharon Cound

Gerald is an American based conservationist, he is a true inspiration and believes all animals should be celebrated!

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Artist & Director Phil Prince

Phil is an artist with a professional qualification in Fine Art and Commercial Design.

Creator of art for our Bengal Tiger collection, which was chosen by our Youth team member, Maisie ,

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Artist Charlotte

Charlotte graduated in 2020 from Norwich University of the Arts, with a BA Honours Degree in Illustration. Charlotte has always been a lover of nature, wildlife, and art. Working both digitally and traditionally.

Creator of art work for our Love, Snow Leopard, Kakapo & Marine Otter collections.

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Artist Bella Bigsby

Bella is an artist working in oils. Having lived and exhibited her work in California for the past 18 years, she recently returned home to her native Norfolk, England. In her oil on canvas painting, she combines tangible elements of the world around her with her memories of landscapes and home along with a love of the magical nature of myth and fairytale.

Creator of art work for our Little Owl, Barn Owl in Flight, Barn Owl Landing & Tawny Owl collections.

Artist Marty Justice

American based Marty says, “You’ve got to learn to see before you can draw. The attention to detail comes from a meditative place that you find yourself lingering and lavishing in."

Creator of art work for our Red Wolf collection.

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Youth Conservation Council member

This is Eva and she would like to help the Red Panda, Giant Panda, Snow Leopard, California Condor, Giant Ibis, Blue Whale & Mariune Iguana!

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Youth Conservation Council member

This is inspring Maisie. she would like to help the Bengal Tiger, Pied Tamarin, Philippine Eagle, Saker Falcon, Atlantic Humpback Dolphin & Whale Shark!

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