Emma Russell

Profile

Hello, I’m Emma, a freelance illustrator in London. I make drawings, patterns and paper constructions to communicate ideas and stories in an accessible way. My quirky characters and distinctive colours have attracted an exciting range of, often returning, clients. Amongst others in the last year, I have illustrated the cult Netflix series “Grace & Frankie”’s first tie-in book, a London council’s events advertising and the package label for an indie wine merchant’s foray into excellent small-run gin making. In my 2D work I make ink drawings often with a muted candy colour palette inspired by vintage fashion. In my 3D work I craft objects and dioramas from paper. Themes of mythology, humour, womanhood and memory often pop up in my work and I’m inspired by the meeting of natural and urban environments around me. I’m curious, flexible, experienced at meeting tight editorial deadlines and can deal sensitively with tricky subjects. My illustrations have appeared in all kinds of settings from books, through beer cans, to heritage signage. I grew up by the sea in Devon and now live in east London with a large flock of imaginary animals, who often sneak into my work and a real dog who often sneaks into my kitchen. Clients include: BBC, Octopus Books, Girl Friday Productions, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Netflix, Flashpoint Books for Skydance TV, Chemist + Druggist magazine, The Guardian, Construction Manager magazine, KPMG, Time Out magazine, Meringue Girls, Nestle, Shapeshifter Productions, RCA, Old Tat Magazine, Symonds Cider, The Observer Food Monthly, Famous Grouse. My work was selected for Secret 7” 2020, TASCHEN’s 2018 compendium “Food & Drink Infographics: A Visual Guide to Culinary Pleasure”. Shows include: Secret 7”, Mail Me Art, House of Illustration Illustrators’ Fair, Combat Stress Secret Postcard Auction, RCA Secret, Amwell Print Fair, The Things I Think About When I Think About Thinking at The Hanbury, #BAGSIE at The Proud Archivist, London Illustration Fair.