@ellisgadsby_illustration

Instagram: @ellisgadsby_illustration

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

Hey! I'm Ellis, an Interior Designer from Northamptonshire, England. I'm a full-time Interior Designer & have been since getting my degree in 2018, but I have a HUGE passion for illustration, art & anything creative. 

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

My aesthetic is always playful, fun & colourful in every drawing I do. I never want to be taken too seriously. Even when I draw mundane everyday situations I always love to incorporate something fun & lighthearted to brighten the days of whoever comes across my work.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

Digital illustration is really where my heart lies - I love the versatility of it and also the fact I have an erase button. I think this stems from my interior design background, where you can have both extremes; it can be so design & innovation focused, and in the same breath measured & calculated. Procreate is where I do the bulk of my drawing work, exporting to photoshop for any final touches. 

4. What is your artistic process like?

Every drawing starts from a vague idea in my head, which I can get from being outside, looking on pinterest, watching documentaries/films - anywhere really. This then develops into an initial sketch which then evolves into the final artwork! 

5. Who and/or what inspires your work? 

I'm a HUGE nature/houseplant/animal nerd. I find the most beauty & inspiration when I'm outdoors - this plays massively into my day job as well as my drawings. I love to draw anything nature related but have also enjoyed drawing outside of this realm. 

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

I don't think art has 'changed' the way I view the world, but it's more a case of creative people viewing the world differently anyway. Instead of just identifying an object, I think creative people identify the shape, form & colour associated with that object - in a more abstract way. This allows them to grab inspiration & metaphors for their artworks.

7. Where did you study?

I studied Interior Architecture & Design at University of Lincoln & loved every single second! Living in Lincoln was the best period in my life so far & although it was stressful at times, I met some of the best people there.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Illustration wise, I hope to have established myself more as an illustrator and of course to still enjoy it as much as I do at the moment! I hopefully see myself happy & content with my life.

9. What about in ten?

Same answer as number 8 I think! 

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I hope to brighten peoples day, to cheer people up or just inject some colour into peoples lives - I hope my art has a positive effect on people basically.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

I'm a veggie - but also the only veggie in my household, so I find myself experimenting a lot of the time with different dishes. My favourite at the moment is veggie mexican food.

12. Favourite book?

Alice in Wonderland - it's like a great big illustration in word form.

13. Favourite genre of music? 

I couldn't narrow my music taste into one genre I don't think - but The Beatles have a strong place in my heart and always will.

14. What are your hobbies? 

My hobby is illustration! It's where I'm happiest & where I feel the most relaxed.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

I always thought in school I would end up doing a criminology/psychology degree so if I wasn't where I am now I would probably be doing that!