Bookish Bristol-based illustrator, inspired by folklore, fantasy, and the natural world.
Background - I worked as an animation and design assistant before shifting into freelance illustration. Since then, I’ve taken part in markets, exhibitions, shop residencies, and collaborations. I also spent almost a decade as a secondary school teacher!
I now split my time between freelance illustration, running a small online business, attending tabling events to sell and exhibit in-person, and working in a chocolate shop and cafe (it’s as lovely and cosy as it sounds).
Influences and inspirations - Studio Ghibli, vintage fantasy illustrations, OTGW, The Secret of Nimh, The Dark Crystal, fantasy literature and dark fairytales, and old book covers.
Interests - I enjoy RPG and cosy gaming, travel adventures, reading and collecting books, learning new crafts, and trying to keep my houseplants alive. I live with my partner and our cat, Peggy, in the city of Bristol, UK.
Dream passion projects include painting book covers for my favourite authors, illustrating for ethical brands and publications, and creating stationery for fantasy book lovers.
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.
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, The 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, Ghoulgang.
Member of: InkyGoodness Collective.
Favourites…
Digital tools: Procreate, True Grit and MaxPack Brushes, iPad and pencil.
Physical tools: 2B and 4B pencils, Derwent inktense and Faber Castell polychromos coloured pencils.
Colours: Orange, green, brown, and pink.
Illustrators/Artists: Lois van Baarle (Loish), Arthur Rackham, Lisk Feng, Eyvind Earle, Mary Blair, Moebius, James Jean, and Ernst Haeckel.
You can email directly - marthafordillustration@gmail.com with queries about commercial commissions, collaborations, or event attendance. In your email, please let me know the main details of the project or event, any deadlines/timelines, and an idea of your budget. Thank you!
For small personal commissions, check back on instagram for news on when commission spots open.
To buy products, please do not email unless it is a wholesale/consignment query (I get a LOT of scam emails about buying art and I just ignore them to be on the safe side, sorry). Instead, you can find out about new product launches on Instagram and purchase from my online shops.