Illustrated Adventures in Lisbon: A Personal Travel Diary + Editorial Art Series

Blog by London Artist & Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw

As a London-based illustrator working across travel, editorial, and fashion illustration, I often bring my sketchbook (or more accurately, my iPad and Procreate!) with me wherever I go. My latest adventure? A long weekend exploring the vibrant streets of Lisbon with friends. I don't often share too much of my personal life, but this seemed like a great opportunity to turn that experience into a new illustrated series. My close friends are all international: Colombian, Brazillian, German, French and US American. Their individual influences, stories, and cross cultural references make me feel so inspired and their energy fuels my colourful drawings and imagination.

Rather than capturing the city solely through photos, I created layered illustrations directly over my iPhone photos. This method brings a playful, storytelling quality to my travel work and allows me to merge documentation with imagination.

Travel illustrations by London Artist Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw

The Lisbon Series – Exploring Through Illustration

Lisbon is a dream for any visual artist: pastel-coloured buildings, patterned tiles, authentic trams, and sun-drenched viewpoints. We wandered through Alfama, Belém, and Bairro Alto, pausing often (sometimes deliberately, sometimes out of necessity) for pastéis de nata. We even joked: how many can you eat in one day? We decided on 3, potentially 4. That became the running theme, and eventually, the anchor for my drawings.

I approached this project the way I often approach any of my illustrations - by focusing on emotion, energy, and visual storytelling. Each image is more than just a location, it's a moment, a memory, a feeling. Whether it's a quiet morning café sketch or a bustling street scene, my goal is always to capture the vibrancy of a moment.

Work With Me: Travel, Editorial & Fashion Illustration

This Lisbon series is part of my ongoing practice combining illustration and visual storytelling. I work with brands, publications, travel companies, and creative agencies to bring locations and experiences to life. Whether that’s for a magazine feature, a city guide, a brand campaign, or a fashion collection inspired by place.

I’m based in London but available for commissions worldwide.

I offer:

• Travel illustration – destination storytelling, city maps, illustrated travel diaries

• Editorial illustration – for features, opinion pieces, lifestyle and culture content

• Fashion illustration – live drawing, campaign art, collection sketches, and more

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Let’s collaborate on your next project!

Whether you’re looking to elevate a story, brand a location, or create a unique illustrated piece, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me on info@elyseblackshaw.com