About Me
Digital collage illustrator specialising in editorial and cover design for publishers and magazines
Hello
I am Elena, an illustrator and psychotherapist based in Exeter in the UK, working from my home studio in sunny Devon. A self-taught painter, I recently achieved a Masters in Illustration (distinction) from Falmouth University.
From a background in abstract painting with acrylics and pastels, I now work almost exclusively in collage to create multi-layered, vibrant and colourful images. My process often starts with a scrap of an image that sparks an idea, then the search is on for the perfect images to contrast or complement, depending on the purpose of the work. I vary between using real materials and digital media, often combining an interesting texture or mark from my stocks of papers with photographs and digital effects. My experience as a psychotherapist underpins this process, giving me a sensitivity to emotional nuance and human narrative that shapes how I select, juxtapose and build imagery.
Through my use of narrative, my work adds a visual layer that can communicate ideas, and bring emotions, and details to life better than words alone. It’s my job to make a story or message easier to understand and remember.
From hand-made collage, to posters to editorial images I will always provide a unique piece of genuine artwork that has been through the creative process of a human heart and mind. No AI.