As a freelance illustrator Lucy Monkman has worked in design, in editorial and in publishing. Clients have included: Harpers & Queen, Woman's Journal, Junior, Paper House and Penguin Books. In addition she has undertaken many private commissions for decorative images, names and initials for children. The majority of her work involves line drawing and collage.

In 2009 Lucy Monkman launched her own collection of cards and notebooks. The collection includes a range of cards for everyday and for specific occasions. The cards and the notebooks have illustrations and designs to appeal both to children and to adults.