Imaginary book covers - Stoner by John Williams

Margaret Cavendish / Barbican Sci-Fi competition

My entry into the recent Barbican sci-fi competition. I was inspired by Margaret Cavendish who wrote what could be seen as one of the earliest examples of science fiction writing - a short piece called 'The Blazing World' published in 1666. Sadly my illustration wasn't one of the five shortlisted, but I still had lots of fun doing this and enjoyed learning about such a maverick woman who was hundreds of years ahead of her time.

Web shop

I have finally got round to opening a web shop using Art Rookie. I will be selling a range of prints, homeware and textiles with my illustrations on them. The site is: www.artrookie.co.uk/Ella desouza

Self portrait with Nikko

Sketchbook

Moonlight

Finally got round to watching Moonlight - it was so thoughtful and refreshing. Here is an illustration inspired by the film.

Ruth May - Coloured version

Sketchbook

Drawing of Ruth May inspired by a photo in V #98

Sketchbook fashion illustrations inspired by Muji AW16 and johnUndercover SS17

Portrait of Kate and Rachel

An ink and watercolour illustration I did of the lovely Kate and her best friend that was commissioned as a gift for Rachel's birthday.

I want to draw you! (Call for submissions)

I am starting work on a new illustration project and I want to draw you!

The project is a celebration of the bonds between women; about platonic soulmates. I believe we have many spiritual sisters in the world; other females who we feel a special connection and twinship with.

If you would like to be involved in this project please email me a photograph of you with your female* soulmate (this could be a best friend, family member, mentor or even a pet). If you don’t have a photo of you both together you can send two separate images. If you want you can include a few words about how you met, how you support each other etc.

The drawings for this project will be compiled into a zine, posted online and will maybe be exhibited in London. I won’t post or share the photograph you email me - it will just be used as a reference.

If you would like to be drawn or want some more information please email your photo to elladesouza@outlook.com

Instagram: @elladesouza

www.elladesouza.co.uk

*any self-identifying female can take part

Sketchbook

Gurls Talk - Finding Self Worth

An illustration I did for Gurls Talk for an article about one girl's journey through eating disorders and addiction to starting to find her sense of worth.

You can read the article on the Gurls Talk website.

Sketchbook

Self(ie) portrait

Still thinking about social media and selfie culture and its preservation of previous incarnations of the self.

'My profile picture from 2009 (I don't look like this anymore)'

Ink drawing

Sketchbook

Portrait of Tash

A small ink portrait I did of my favourite dog Tash as a gift.

Sketchbook

wip

Sketchbook

I went to see the David Hockney retrospective this week and was inspired by his drawings and sketchbook work. Hi use of line is sparse and uncomplicated yet still expressive. He seems to capture body language and with that emotion so easily. In my sketchbook this week I focused on freehand drawing and using thin, precise lines as opposed to my usual thicker brush strokes.

Experiments with line & colour

Nocturnal Animals - With Colour

A coloured version of one of my drawings inspired by the film 'Nocturnal Animals'. Drawn with ink, coloured with Photoshop. Trying to use a muted colour palette to create atmosphere.

Drawings inspired by the film 'Nocturnal Animals

Sketchbook

Portrait of my sister

Sketchbook

Mother's Day Card

Gurls Talk - Trials and Tribulations of an Empath

An illustration for an article I did for Gurls Talk a couple of weeks ago about learning to embrace your sensitivity. Read the article here.

Sketchbook

Gurls Talk

An illustration I did for Gurls Talk for a poem about loving someone who leaves. The poem called 'Through the Vineyard' was full of imagery about wine, jungles and the wilderness - you can read it here.