After gaining a BA (Hons) in Graphic Information Design from Falmouth School of Art in 1990, Sally Hobson worked as a painter in the animation industry before embarking on a career as a freelance book illustrator during the 1990s. Her illustrated children's books were published by MacMillan, Walker Books, Scholastics, Tiger Press and many international publishing houses. One of her projects brought her into contact with the Government Education Department, illustrating literature which was included in recommended reading schemes as part of the National Curriculum. Her work was featured on the BBC's children's programmes on a regular basis and was also highlighted at the 1997 Edinburgh Book Festival. Her first commission, 'Three Bags Full' was shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award for first-time illustrators, and she went on to create illustrations for some 20 further books.

After many years in Surrey, in 2015 Sally Hobson returned to Cornwall, where her wide-ranging artistic and craftmaking skills have contributed significantly to the creative life of her local community.

She is a regular exhibitor at STISA open shows.