Hello! My name's Elaine and I'm an illustrator from Edinburgh. Working primarily digitally, I specialise in bringing engaging animal characters to life in a colourful, busy world. I'm keen to work in children's book and magazine illustration and to work with educators, particularly around environmental issues, animal welfare, vintage fashion and music. That said, I welcome commissions from all areas - if you're after an animal, drop me a line!
I've had illustrations published in The Caterpillar, a children's story, poetry and art magazine, and was the featured artist for February 2022 on the Dirigible Balloon, a poetry website for children. I also featured in the 'pets' edition of children's story and poetry magazine The Toy.
My most recent project was The Biggest Fan, a children's book written by a group of boys from Broughton High School in Edinburgh and illustrated by me alongside five other illustrators. The book is published by the Super Power Agency, a Scottish charity working to improve the lives and literacy skills of young people in Scotland. You can buy it online here!
Mr Brown the bear welcomes The Biggest Fan to the zoo.
I'll also be contributing to The Anthology of Amazing Aunties, a companion to The Bumper Book of Uncles, due out this winter. I can't reveal my design yet so watch this space...
As a website content manager at Shelter, National Museums Scotland and the Scottish Government, I've worked with experts in many fields, using storytelling techniques to turn complex concepts into accessible online resources. This experience informs the educational aspect of my illustration work, which is playful and amusing.
After years working on award-winning digital channels and creating content to support major capital projects, and now with 2 years at the Covid public information coal face, I'm no stranger to tight deadlines and conflicting priorities, so if I take on a project you can be sure I'll deliver on time.
In 2021 I was awarded a distinction for my MA in Children's Book Illustration at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
For my MA I explored how anthropomorphic animals in picture books can encourage children to care about the natural world. In my work, endangered species become appealing individuals who inspire children to empathise with their wild counterparts and even take action to protect them. Because, as Greta Thunberg puts it, "No one is too small to make a difference".
My illustrations are available across a range of cards and gifts via my website LeopardyNonsense.com and in the Scottish Design Exchange and Leith Collective stores in Edinburgh and the Wool & Craft Station in Kirkliston. I can also be found at local markets throughout the year.
