Born in Wrotham, Kent, England in 1911, Joan Morrison moved with her family to Tasmania three years later.

[6] Hoff stressed the importance of studying anatomy, "especially for black-and-white artists a full knowledge of the skeleton and the muscles of the human body is absolutely necessary, if one's work is to be at once vigorous and correct.

"[7] While still a student, she was encouraged by Norman Lindsay to create illustrations for a Hans Christian Andersen book.

[14] In 1940 she met English critic Neville Cardus who commented on her work, "She has depicted the Australian girl in all her grace as no other artist has succeeded in doing.

"[15] Her cartoons were popular with men serving overseas in the Army, Navy and Air Force during World War II.