Am I the illustrator you are looking for?
I am a versatile and experienced illustrator based in Suffolk UK, working on picture books, character design and logos and branding. However I’m always open to new options, I would love to work with magazines, in particular wildlife and environment, greetings cards, packaging and surface pattern. My work uses traditional hand drawn, some digital and mixed media – collage and printing.
My dream job
Well I am pretty much doing my dream job, I love what I do… I get to draw and create every day! I do have projects I would love to work on. Other than my own picture book stories for young children, I would love to illustrate books about the oceans, marine life, fish, birds, nature and wildlife in general.
Experience and clients
I qualified in graphic design at The Norfolk Institute of Art and Design (now Norwich School of Art) and in my early career worked in publishing and packaging design.
I have over 20 years illustration experience, working with clients including Thompson and Morgan UK, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Colchester and Ipswich Museums, Wild in Art, NHS Ipswich, Genesis Plant Marketing, Little Fig Publishing, Scholastic schools magazine, and Suffolk Mind, illustrating everything from picture books, book covers, to seed packets, greetings cards, school magazines, private commissions, running children’s art clubs and painting Wild in Art sculptures.
What my clients say
‘Emma was a joy to work with on Sammy the Seasquirt. Creative, patient, professional and she fully understood what we were trying to achieve. We ended up with a brilliant book, illustrated by Emma, that continues to help children across Suffolk to have better mental health.’
Jon Neal. Chief Executive Suffolk Mind
‘Emma’s beautiful illustrations brought our children’s book Sammy the Sea Squirt to life. Her approach is rich in the kinds of visual metaphor and humour which children find entrancing. I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible artist – if you get the chance to work with Emma, grab it with both hands and count your blessings!’
Ezra Hewing. Head of Mental Health Education Suffolk Mind
‘Emma Graham is an enormously talented artist. She brings stories to life with characters that pop off the page. Her designs and visions are incredibly intuitive and expressive. Emma is professional, creative, pays special attention to details for each of her works for kids, and her communications are consistently clear.
Emma is a delightful and respected artist. I love the books she has illustrated for The Little Fig and look forward to continuing future professional collaborations. I am honored to also call her friend. From the USA to the UK—no boundaries—total admiration and respect’
S. J. Bushue, Owner | Managing Director The Little Fig
Press, media and exhibitions
I have been interviewed about certain projects and my work in general by The SAA, local press and BBC and ITV news. I have exhibited in the wonderful collaborative East Anglian illustrators exhibition ‘Once Upon A Time’ at the Ipswich Art School in 2014.
Awards and competitions
In 2007 I was awarded a silver gilt medal at the RHS Chelsea flower show for an exhibit I designed, illustrated and constructed with Thompson and Morgan UK, this exhibit then won gold at the RHS Shrewsbury show – I’m also a qualified horticulturalist and worked in the business for several years.
My own story ‘The Owl who wanted to sing’ was a finalist in the Stratford Literary Festival’s Stratford-Salariya Prize for picture books 2017. Again this story along with another of my own ‘Tyranno-ROAR-us REX’ were longlisted in the Searchlight Picture book Awards in 2023. – Both are still in search of a publisher.
I am a member of the SAA and studied with The Good Ship Illustration.
If I’m not in my studio, I’ll be found ‘pottering’ in the garden, walking in the woods or wild swimming in the local river (yes all year), if I’m immersed in nature or a good book or art, I’m happy.
Get in touch
If you are interested in my work and wish to discuss a project or commission, do get in touch.
email: emma@egrahamillustrations.co.uk
Client list- Mr Fothergill seeds, Thompson and Morgan UK, Ipswich Town Football Club, Wyards Removals, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Colchester and Ipswich Museums, Cooper BMW, Birketts Solicitors, Wild in Art, NHS Ipswich, Genesis Plant Marketing, Clear Fork Publishing, Little Fig Publishing, Books to Treasure, Cybermouse Publishing, Scholastic schools magazine, Suffolk Mind.
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