FASHION ILLUSTRATOR, LIVE EVENT ARTIST
& FASHION EDUCATION SPECIALIST
ILLUSTRATION FOR BRANDS, PRODUCTS AND SPACES
I create illustration for retail environments, graphic hoardings, hand-painted windows, packaging, publishing and branded products.
Illustration doesn't have to live on a page. Some of my favourite projects have involved taking drawing beyond traditional formats and placing it directly into public spaces, retail environments and products.
I work with brands, retailers, publishers and cultural organisations to create illustrations for graphic hoardings, hand-painted windows, packaging, products, publications and large-scale installations. Whether viewed on a busy high street, wrapped around a product or applied across an entire wall, illustration has the ability to transform everyday experiences into something unexpected and memorable.
While my background is rooted in fashion illustration, I am particularly interested in projects that allow drawing to engage with people beyond gallery and studio settings.
LOOKING FOR AN ILLUSTRATOR FOR YOUR BRAND, PRODUCT OR SPACE?
I work with brands, agencies, retailers, publishers and cultural organisations across London and the UK.
Whether you're planning a graphic hoarding, a hand-painted window, a product launch, packaging project or large-scale installation, I'd love to hear your ideas and explore how illustration can bring them to life.
If you are interested in booking a workshop, email me at info@elyseblackshaw.com
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
Illustration can help brands communicate personality, atmosphere and storytelling across digital platforms.
I create bespoke illustrations for social media campaigns, newsletters, websites and marketing content, helping brands develop distinctive visuals that stand apart from stock imagery and photography. Whether responding to a launch, event, destination or product, illustrations can be adapted across multiple touchpoints whilst maintaining a consistent visual identity.
Recent projects include a series of illustrations for beauty brand Sarah Creal, where hand-drawn imagery was incorporated into digital marketing materials and newsletters. My approach combines observational drawing with vibrant colour and expressive mark-making, creating artwork that feels personal, engaging and recognisably human. We also created a carousel of illustrations showing Sarah's map around London.
I am particularly interested in working with fashion, beauty, lifestyle and cultural brands looking for creative ways to communicate stories, products and experiences through illustration.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION FOR USER GENERATED CONTENT & AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
PACKAGING AND PRODUCT ILLUSTRATION
Illustration can become part of the identity of a product, creating connections long after the first encounter.
Previous projects have included illustrations for Winsor & Newton Pro Marker packaging, artwork applied to clothing, and bespoke illustrations painted directly onto CANO cans. I am particularly interested in product collaborations, packaging design and limited-edition projects where illustration becomes part of the customer's experience.
My approach combines expressive mark-making with strong visual storytelling, creating artwork that feels distinctive, playful and human.
(image to left work in progress - official packaging not published yet)
GRAPHIC HOARDING & LARGE SCALE ILLUSTRATION
Large-scale illustration creates opportunities to communicate with audiences in playful and engaging ways.
I have created illustrated graphic hoardings of up to 60 metres for Westfield London, transforming temporary construction spaces into vibrant visual experiences. Working at scale requires a different approach to image-making, considering how compositions function both from a distance and at close range.
I am interested in opportunities involving graphic hoardings, public art, murals, retail environments and large-format illustration projects.
WINDOW PAINTING AND RETAIL SPACES
Hand-painted window illustrations bring personality, craftsmanship and visibility to a physical space.
I have created window artwork for Cass Art and enjoy developing illustrations that respond to specific locations, events and communities. Whether for a seasonal campaign, shop launch, exhibition or brand activation, window painting creates opportunities for storytelling whilst encouraging interaction with passers-by.
Each project is designed to work within its environment, balancing visual impact with the character of the space itself.
"Elyse was professional, worked to brief but was also forthcoming with so many creative ideas to make our window sing! Her work has made us a destination for the art, fashion and Instagram lovers of Manchester – we have had a noticeable uplift in engagement with our business online and through the door since hosting her beautiful work. Cannot recommend enough!"
- Cass Art, 2024
EDITORIAL & PUBLICATION ILLUSTRATION
Alongside commercial commissions, I create illustrations for books, magazines and editorial projects.
Working across publishing allows me to develop visual responses to stories, themes and ideas, translating concepts into engaging imagery. Whether creating illustrations for a book, magazine feature or independent publication, I approach each project with curiosity, research and a strong sense of narrative.
"Collaborating with Elyse on Fashion Activism was a joy from start to finish. She immediately connected with the subject and was able to interpret serious issues with great sensitivity but also a pinch of humour. Her illustrations have all the punch of activism and all the allure of fashion. Every one of them is brilliant and together they truly define the book. Throughout the collaboration, Elyse was receptive to ideas and responsive to requests. The entire team – author, designer, editor, publisher – left this experience knowing we would love to work with her again. "
- Senior Commissioning Editor at Laurence King Publishing
