I'm a Bristol-based illustrator inspired by folklore, the natural world, and everyday magic.
I mix traditional textures with digital tools to create rich, atmospheric illustrations—imaginative, layered, and often a little haunting.
With a background in teaching, a love of both science and fantasy, and a commitment to inclusion, I approach every project with curiosity and care.
My style is ideal for impactful storytelling, whether in books, magazines, games, or at events, whilst my more decorative work works well for packaging and licensing, including for small product collections for tabling events.
Dream passion projects include painting book covers for my favourite authors, illustrating for ethical brands and causes, and creating art for board games.
If you’re looking for artwork that tells a story, sparks curiousity, or helps you communicate a complex concept, I’d love to hear from you.
Got a collaboration or event in mind? Get in touch!
Email: marthafordillustration@gmail.com
Instagram: @marthillustrates
Links
Email: marthafordillustration@gmail.com
A bit more context…
I graduated as an animator and worked as an animation and design assistant before shifting into freelance illustration—well before I fully knew what that meant.
Since then, I’ve taken part in markets, exhibitions, shop residencies, and collaborations, all while juggling a variety of part-time jobs—from comic book and merch shops to event work and artworker roles.
My longest-running ‘day job’ was nearly a decade as a qualified secondary school teacher!
These days, I split my work life between illustration, a board game café, and a local makers’ shop. I also design stationery and gifts inspired by fantasy, nature, and old book covers.
Outside of work, I enjoy gaming, travelling, reading, tending to houseplants (with mixed success), geeking out over craft beer, and cuddling our cat, Peggy. I also make time every year for comic and game expos and conventions with family and friends.
Influences include: Studio Ghibli, vintage fantasy illustrations, 90s cartoons, The Secret of Nimh, The Dark Crystal, retro sci-fi art, and old book covers. I especially love drawing hands, womxn and diverse bodies, books, and abandoned or overgrown places.
Curious and always learning.
Education:
BA (Hons) Animation
PGCE Art and Design Education
MSc Education (Neuroscience pathway)
Previous clients: The Lifescape Project x Northumberland Wildlife Trust x The Wildlife Trusts (The Missing Lynx Project) / The Bluestar Project x The Green House (Beyond Therapy Festival).
Selected Exhibition Locations: Tobacco Factory, The SHO Gallery, Prema Arts Centre, Centrespace, The Grain Barge, Folkhouse.
Selected tabling events, pop-up shops and stockists: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Pop! , Paper Scissors Stone, Upstairs@BS8, Maker’s Hub at the Farm.
Member of: Association of Illustrators (AOI), and the InkyGoodness Collective.
Favourites…
Digital tools: Procreate, True Grit and MaxPack Brushes, ipad and pencil.
Physical tools: 2B and 4B mechanical pencils, Derwent inktense and Faber Castell polychromos coloured pencils.
Colours: Oranges, forest green, earthy brown, and pinks!
Illustrators/Artists: Lois van Baarle (Loish), Arthur Rackham, Lisk Feng, Eyvind Earle, Mary Blair, Moebius, James Jean, and Ernst Haeckel.
Thank you for reading this far!
I really appreciate your interest and time.
You can email directly to marthafordillustration@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on the Contact page.
For personal commissions, check back on instagram for news on when commission spots open on the Etsy shop.
I am also looking for agency representation. If you’re interested in working together, please do get in touch.