Originally a copywriter for the advertising agencies Saatchi and JWT, she began freelancing as a creative consultant, author, journalist and artist as well as teaching when her two children were young.

She has also taught in schools, colleges and other educational institutions, on a variety of subjects, mainly practical art and art history and has written educational resources for both teachers and students.

She has appeared in TV documentaries and lectures to a range of audiences, from children to adult, on several topics.

She is also a professional artist. Throughout the country, she runs author and artist workshops and demonstrations for children and adults.

Susie has an MA in the History of Art from the University of London, is a Fellow of the RSA and a governor at Birkbeck, University of London.