Hello! I’m Martha, a freelance illustrator based in Bristol, UK.

My main focus is illustrating for publishing and editorial, and I love the challenge of visualising a complex concept or capturing the mood of a story in a single image. I enjoy illustrating for packaging and branding, and licensing artwork for products. Got a project in mind? Let me know (my contact page).

A bit of background… I grew up surrounded by books, games and costumes, with a love for both science and fantasy. My passion for storytelling and drawing led me to study animation at university before moving to Bristol to work as an animator and illustrator, where I spent my time participating in independent shops, markets, and exhibitions. After going into teaching for eight years and earning a Master’s degree, I took the plunge to focus on my illustration career in the Summer of ‘23.

My interests include folklore and mythology, gaming, exploring themes of mental health and emotions, diverse identities and bodies, mysticism and the occult, the wonders of the natural world, and everyday magic. I am always learning new things and finding new perspectives.

Influences on my work range from Studio Ghibli, 90s toys and animations, and films like The Secret of Nimh and The Dark Crystal; to vintage photographs of costumed performers, retro gothic horror and fantasy illustrations, and old portrait paintings.

Outside of client work, I work part-time in a boardgame cafe, love designing small collections of fantasy themed stationary and gifts, and visiting niche conventions. I also spend any free time wandering around my city, trying to keep my plants alive, tabletop and video gaming, playing with my cat Peggy, sampling craft beers, watching (‘bad’) sci fi and horror films, collecting D20 dice and other extremely nerdy paraphernalia, and admiring limited edition books I definitely cannot afford.