Originally a fine artist working in acrylics and pastels, Elena decided to take the leap into illustration, fulfilling a childhood dream. Believing, as a child, that art wasn’t a job she could ever do, Elena took a different path and worked in schools for many years. ‘I loved to draw as a child, and it was one of the few things I felt I was good at. Sadly though, I didn’t have enough self belief then to pursue it as a career.’

Through doing an Illustration MA at Falmouth University, Elena found her confidence and is now happily drawing, painting and creating to her heart’s content. Making up stories, inventing characters and having lots of fun.

Elena’s favourite medium is collage and one her she is happiest when hunting in antique and vintage shops for, old paper; music, old books, stamps, old photos and ephemera to use in her art. “AI is the current trend and it can make some good images (using stuff taken from other artists, sadly) but what AI can’t offer is the connection between artist and materials, and the connection of the materials to histories and stories. A piece of vintage paper may be a hundred years old - it’s a survivor and a tangible, physical connection to the past. Ai can’t do that”.

Elena is also a qualified psychotherapist and runs her own successful, part-time private practice. She is interested in drawing for mindfulness and how art can help healing.

If you would like to work with Elena she would love to chat with you. Or even if you want to talk about art and being an illustrator, do get in touch.

Based in Exeter, Devon, Elena loves reading, cake, cosy fires and fluffy socks, cats, vintage and charity chops, watching dogs playing on the beach, Bake-off, and singing along when she thinks no-one can hear her.