From medicine to portrait painting: Julia’s pet sitting adventures

Our lovely member, Julia, moved away from the stressful world of psychology and medicine and into new lands of painting, travel and pet sitting. Now a fully-fledged artist, she explores the world and the pets in it, leaving trails of adorable animal portraits in her path. We arranged a catch up to hear more about Julia’s thoughtful approach to house sitting, and she was kind enough to share her story with us…

“I studied medicine and psychology and never planned on becoming an artist, but during my university studies I fell ill and painting and drawing became an important part of my rehabilitation. I realised I needed less stress and wanted more freedom to travel and to do the things that make me feel good, like creating and being with animals.” 

Pet sitting and painting became Julia’s sanctuary - not only hobbies that would take her around the globe, but cornerstones of her healing journey. And in producing these thoughtful keepsakes for pet parents, Julia was able to leave behind mementos of the fun she had with new furry friends and the passion she shares for them.

“I’ve met so many kind and generous pet owners and I feel like leaving a painting as a thank you gift is the least I can do. I always enjoy trying to capture the personality of a pet, even though it sometimes involves having a cat walking on your palette and getting paw prints in your sketchbook. I’ve found kittens are especially interested in art, always keen to be part of the painting process and assisting with the brushes and pencils!” 

When Julia isn’t creating art alongside fluffy kittens (and dodging their paint-covered paws), she’s living like a local in some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations - an artist needs her inspiration, afterall.

“This summer I discovered Edinburgh, a city I’ve wanted to go to for ages. I stayed in three different places during a six week stay, which meant I could discover different areas of the city. Six weeks is a long time to be on your own in a new city but with cats and dogs for company I didn’t feel lonely at all. And while dog walking I met so many people I don’t think I would have talked to unless I had a dog with me. Cute dogs really are great conversation starters!”

So what’s the pet sitting life like? How does it feel to be accompanied by not only new city views, but also the pitter-patter of paws in the morning, and fluffy sofa snuggles at night?

“I travel on my own and I would not enjoy it half as much if I didn’t have pets for company during my trips. I also very much enjoy staying in someone’s home rather than in a hotel room, it makes it possible to really get the feel for how it is to live somewhere. You feel like a local and not a tourist!” 

Pet sitting has allowed Julia to dictate where she spends her time while working remotely, immersing herself in new cultures and of course, different climates.

“I always try to escape the dark Swedish winter and go somewhere warmer during the coldest months.” 

If you’re wondering how Julia has secured so many incredible (and clearly inspirational) sits over the last four years, here’s her advice on what makes a great sitter…

“A genuine love for animals is of course essential, as well as making the pet’s health and wellbeing your priority. I also think good and honest communication is really important, for example being able to admit you’ve made a mistake or that you feel uncertain about something. No one likes to admit a mistake but if you have responsibility for someone's pet and home I think honesty is always key!”

Well it’s safe to say that Julia’s story paints a colourful picture of where house sitting can take us - chic cities, adorable animals and of course, their portraits.

Want to see more of Julia’s art and get pet sitting yourself?

Give Julia @illustra a follow on Instagram to marvel at more of her stunning pet and travel artwork. And if Julia’s adventures around Europe and beyond with precious pets for company has got you inspired, find a house sit yourself to get your adventure started.

Related article: Ange's TrustedHousesitters story - Pet sitting portraits