Our story & where it all began
Saturday 18th August
Hello and welcome to the very first post on the Ellabees Illustration blog!
I’m Ella, a mixed media artist and illustrator, and I run Ellabees Illustration alongside my mum, Lisa. Together we create artwork and products that celebrate the beauty of the natural world — with a particular love for animals.
My story as an illustrator began in an unexpected place: a long hospital stay. During that time, I found myself noticing the little details in nature that we so often overlook — the way a dog’s ears flop as it runs, or the quiet dignity of a horse. That period helped me rediscover my love of art, and I began sketching my own dogs and horses. Slowly, those sketches became the foundation of Ellabees.
Our work is deeply personal. We believe that even the most imperfect journeys can lead to the most beautiful outcomes. That’s why our motto is that “imperfection is golden.” Every illustration, whether it’s a hand-drawn dog portrait or a horse sketched in ink, carries its own story.
In practice, that means no two pieces are ever the same. From sketching in my notebook to experimenting with traditional paints or digital tools, I let each subject guide me. Once finished, I hand-embellish many originals with touches of gold, because to me, that shimmer is a reminder that flaws and quirks are what make life — and art — extraordinary.
Beyond the artwork itself, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We print in our family kitchen, using recycled and repurposed materials wherever possible, and bring our work to life on everything from mugs and plant pots to prints and cards. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey ha s been meeting people at craft markets across the UK — each conversation adds another layer to the story of Ellabees.
This blog will be a place where I share behind-the-scenes peeks into my sketchbook, thoughts on creativity, experiments with new materials, and stories about the animals who inspire so much of my work.
Thank you for being here at the start of this journey — I’m so excited to share more with you.
Warmly,
Ella 🌿🐾✨
