Hello! I'm Natalie, an illustrator from Newcastle and I create vibrant, textured drawings inspired by flora and fauna.
My work is primarily digital with bold graphics, however I love to weave in traditional textures and hand-drawn elements.
I’m very passionate about working decoratively, exploring these themes through surface design work such as patterns for homeware or for stationery & gift. I also enjoy taking on more graphic focussed projects, including packaging & branding.
Interwoven is a homeware design-based project which explores the theme of symbiosis between animals.
This subject is a great way to stress the fact that animal relationships are what keeps us alive, & I can use symbiosis as a lens on connection & togetherness.
Symbiosis underpins all life - it’s a quiet, but essential way we all depend on & support another. My project focusses on the concept that no relationship exists in isolation - we all share existence, both human & animal.
My final outcomes consisted of a large 60cm x 160cm tapestry showcasing each relationship as a tile, along with 5 pattern designs which delved further into plant & insect symbiotic relationships.
Tails of Misfortune explores the historic background of superstitions, specifically relating to animals. My goal for this project was to portray these animals in a much more positive light than they are usually seen in. After thorough research, it surprised me how many animals were regarded as unlucky in the past & how their reputation has changed.
I produced a large A3 poster which depicts a variety of superstitious animals, alongside an 8-page A6 zine which delves further into the background of where & why these superstitious began.
In this project, I proposed illustrations for a brief set by the organization Ocean Generation, a charity which aims to tackle Ocean threats & educate through science & storytelling. The brief was to explore why the Ocean is important & to create illustrations to be used for apparel.
I worked with the theme of "danger" within my illustrations, exploring the varieties of marine life that hold bad reputations (e.g. orcas, sharks). My goal was to create a vibrant & lively range of work that can showcase these mammals in a more positive light, using bright colours & an exaggerated, cutesy style. I wanted to prove that these animals are beautiful rather than terrifying, placing them on the same level as more loved marine life (e.g. dolphins, turtles). My main message is that all marine life is precious.
My designs are available for purchase here:
https://oceangenerationstore.com/collection/wavemaker-collection/
