Joy FitzSimmons studied Illustration and Graphics at Liverpool Art School in the early 1970s. After moving to London, she embarked on a freelance career as a book designer and illustrator for 25 years. In 2001, while recovering from breast cancer, she acquired two dachshunds named Archie and Doug and formed London Pooch, a design company producing cards and gifts in the UK.

Her most recent endeavor is A Dog’s Guide to Art, featuring clever canines and their favorite artworks with a book published by Portico and greeting cards by Allport Editions. Joy’s designs have been featured by the British Museum, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Fortnum & Mason and Liberty.