About Plookiss
The Artist Behind the Prickles
Hi! I’m Abi J Carless. I’m a Manchester UK-based independent digital artist who is—admittedly—much better at drawing plants than keeping them alive. That’s why I created Plookiss: to provide beautiful, quirky cactus and succulent illustrations that stay vibrant and green forever...
Every piece is hand-drawn digitally with a focus on minimalist botanical art and modern botanical art prints. I love playing with unique textures and warm tones that create a relaxed, cosy feel. My goal is to make it easy for you to bring a bit of nature (and a lot of personality) into your favourite spaces, completely free from the pressure of a watering schedule.
A Journey of Resilience: From Setbacks to Succulents
My path to becoming an independent digital artist wasn’t exactly a straight line. As a child, I was rarely found without a pencil or paintbrush in hand. But at 16, a crushing critique from a GCSE welsh teacher destroyed my confidence. Being told I "wasn't good enough" for art school was devastating, and the impact was so heavy that I put down my pencils and walked away from art entirely.
Instead, I pivoted to a different kind of storytelling. I fell in love with media, spending the next 10 years studying up to Master's level and channelling my creative energy into making documentaries. I enjoyed my time working in the media industry, but as the years passed, the quiet pull to get back to creating visual art slowly returned.
In my 40s, I finally decided it was time to confront the demons that had kept me away from the sketchbook for decades. I went right back to basics, taking intensive courses to relearn the fundamentals of drawing from scratch. It was terrifying, but pushing through that deeply ingrained fear allowed me to discover a profound passion for digital art.
So, why cacti?
People often ask why I focus my botanical illustrations on desert plants. The truth is, cacti are the ultimate survivors. They stand strong, adapt, and thrive in the most extreme, unforgiving climates. After fighting my way back to my creativity, I realised I felt a lot like a cactus myself. That resilience is the core inspiration behind Plookiss—and it’s why I love creating bold, joyful botanical art prints that bring enduring life to your walls.
From Sketchbook to Screen
While my ideas are born on paper, the final Plookiss pieces are brought to life digitally. I carefully trace and refine my traditional sketches on a drawing tablet, layering in those unique textures and warm, cosy tones that give my prints their signature modern boho feel.
Want to see exactly how a design goes from a rough pencil doodle to a finished gallery print? [Read the full step-by-step creative process on the blog →]
Why Shop Plookiss Botanical Art Prints?
- Hand-Drawn Heart: No AI, no stock filters. Every spine, succulent leaf, and pot pattern is individually drawn by me.
- Modern Boho Aesthetic: Designed to complement warm woods, soft textiles, and lived-in homes.
- Zero Maintenance: The ultimate un-killable botanical decor for plant lovers and proud "black thumbs" alike.
"My mission is to turn your walls into a modern desert oasis that feels like a warm hug."
Premium Quality Gallery Prints
I have partnered with Fourthwall to ensure that my digital illustrations are printed onto premium archival paper with gallery-quality inks. When you buy a botanical art print or unique wrapping paper from Plookiss, you are getting a piece of high-quality decor designed to last as long as a real saguaro—and look a lot better in a frame.
