ELLEUSTRATES

"I'm originally from Herefordshire (a very quiet, green place) and now I live in Bristol. I study illustration at UWE. I live in a lil flat full of plants. I'm really into astronomy and constellations. I spend my time cooking vegan food and painting and drawing. I also go to a lot of gigs and live music events with friends. I collect healing crystals and vintage wildflower encyclopaedias. I'm a huge advocate for mental health and well being, this comes through into my work."

When did you first discover your talent?

Since the age of 6 I've had a notebook by the side of my bed, where I drew something from my imagination every single night. I carried on in this habit for 9 years until I was 15, when I realised I wanted to make a living out of it. I felt a sense of pride in what I was doing and wanted to share it with people. Such positive reactions honestly came as a pleasant surprise to me!

To whom do you target your art?

My art is for absolutely anyone that finds solace in it. I want to create things that people can relate to, that help them feel understood and less alone.

What messages do you try to convey in your drawings?

Most of my work is quite personal and related to mental health, so I'm either trying to connote a feeling of self love or positivity, or creating a relatable piece of work.

How long does a single illustration usually take to complete?

Totally depends on what it is and how I feel. Sometimes I've knocked out my best drawing in 20 minutes flat, other times I've spent 15/20 hours on something as I just can't seem to get it right. Mindset is very important.

Were you the most artistic pupil at school?

I was always known for being the arty kid, but I was lucky to be surrounded by close friends who were also excellent artists. Plus, I've known people who weren't artistic at school at all and are now perusing an artistic career successfully - it's never too late!

Do you have any tattoos/ wish to get any tattoos?

I have three stick and pokes from my good friend Lavi (@lavpreet.v), a lil eye because I use it as a sort of signature on my drawings, a matching moon with my friend Grace, and 'GROW' because I still struggle with change sometimes. I plan on getting a bigger one at some point, I want a wildflower and maybe my recent 'overgrown' drawing on me forever!

What things put you at ease?

I'm quite an anxious person so I really appreciate little comforts in life. Good food, a safe space, Clueless, and people I love. I will always find comfort in some fresh air also.

Who inspires you in everyday life and in your art?

I'm inspired by the people around me, situations around me, and more than definitely the natural world and spirituality.

Where do you draw your ideas from?

Most of my ideas hit me when I'm trying to sleep and I scribble them down in a notebook by my bed (keep notebooks on you at all times!!), but ideas come from a feeling or an emotional experience mostly.

Are many of your pieces self-portraits or self-reflections?

Almost all of my pieces are a self reflection of sorts, even if I don't realise it.

Where do you hope to take your drawings in the future?

I'm studying illustration at uni currently, and taking commissions at the same time. It's full on but I love it! Hopefully in the future I will have a successful online shop, and one day maybe a physical one? I also bounce the idea around of being a tattooist - who knows!

and What can we expect from Elleustrates in the future?

I've got a table at Shake Bristol on the 8th of October with so many other amazing artists!! I've got a load of new products that you can pick up there before they go online in mid October. Check @shakebristol for more info. I'm also doing live art in Bristol for a Swamp Breed event (@swampbreed) which I'll soon make an announcement about! As for me in general, I hope to push my ideas more and connect with people in different ways. I've got a few exciting projects coming up so keep an eye out.

DISLIKES

~restaurants with no vegan options

 ~overcrowded trains

 ~ignorant people

 ~avocado

LIKES

~wildflowers

 ~fishnets

 ~coffee

 ~colour schemes

 ~Kaytranada

 ~chocolate oat milk

~iron on patches

 ~dogs

 ~crystals

~driving

 ~house plants

~and a good pair of chunky boots