Ellen Forbes
My work is a playful exploration into nature, mental health, childlike curiosity and wonder.
About
Hey, my name is Ellen and I’m an illustrator, maker and adventurer. I like to make work that focuses on the small wonders, joys and tribulations of life. I often use natural imagery to highlight the little things we often miss, drawing attention to the small and beautiful be it plants in walls, stumps or the hidden fae and spirits I’d imagine as a child. I also like create analogies for feelings to help process them and create a space for others to feel less alone. I don’t focus on any particular medium and simply aim to put joy and childlike wonder at the heart of any work I make as I feel it’s something we should all hold onto, especially when things feel hard and impossible.
Party Cat Risograph
Penguin Book Cover Award
Dundee Women's Festival 2022
I had the privilege to design and illustrate the programmes, posters and social media advertisements for this years Dundee Women's Festival. The theme was Today's Women Shape Tomorrow's World so I made all the illustrations joyful, full of collaboration and hope.
Take Care of your Garden
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Maxwell Community Centre and Garden Mural
Allow Yourself to Wilt and Regrow
A short comic exploring how we must rest when things get hard in our lives, allowing ourselves to work through the difficulty and bloom again new and stronger.
Safe Space
A project exploring play, adventure and unconventional illustration.
If you're interested in commissioning me or hiring me be sure to get in touch via my email or social media.