I live in Crystal Palace with my husband, close to lots of beautiful green spaces. The nature and architecture around me are hugely inspiring to my work. When I’m not at my desk, I love walking, cycling, yoga and live music!
Photograph © Tom Skipp
profile
Hi, I’m Laura- an illustrator and designer based in South London, specialising in creating intricate silhouette illustrations and decorative monochrome patterns.
With 15 years of industry experience, I've worked with a variety of international clients.
I predominantly work in design and publishing; illustrating packaging, museum graphics, children's picture books and book covers for all ages. I’ve created artwork for brands including the BBC, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Taschen, Penguin Random House and the Science Museum.
I create illustrations for:
Publishing
Packaging and Surface Design
Branding
Animation
Large Scale Museum and Exhibition graphics
Editorial
process
With an emphasis on storytelling and an attention to detail, my illustrations are inspired by the darker side of folk & fairy tales, along with traditional Scherenschnitte (paper cutting).
I work digitally from my home studio, drawing with a graphics tablet straight into Illustrator. I particularly love to work in striking black & white, though I'm just as comfortable using colour when a project calls for it.
On occasion, I’ll step away from the screen and use paper and a scalpel to create layered paper cut outs.
Awards & Nominations
CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal: longlisted for Blueblood (2022)
British Book Design & Production Awards: shortlisted for The Snow Queen in the Children's Trade 0-8 Years category (2019)
Books Are My Bag Readers Awards: Shortlisted in the Beautiful Books category for Bookworm (2018)
Society of Illustrators Los Angeles, Illustration West 57: Winner in the Book category for Bookworm and The Toymakers book covers (2018)
Photograph © Kay Ogundimu
CLIENT list
BBC
Marks & Spencer
Ted Baker
Marchesa
Toni & Guy
Yardley London
John Lewis & Waitrose
Cornish Orchards
Silent Pool Gin
Taschen
Andersen Press
Penguin Random House
Hachette
Little, Brown
Macmillan
Vintage Books
Scholastic
The Guardian
The Evening Standard
Radio Times
The Times
Science Museum
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
Ely Museum
Brighton Festival
British Heart Foundation
Cath Tate Cards
The Maybourne Hotel Group
and many more…
Design agencies
Beauty Seen PR
Chapter
Candy & Candy
Damn Fine Media
D2 Interactive
Heritage Interactive
Interstate
Open Fundraising
Outlaw
SeymourPowell
Studio Arc
Selected press
The Artworks Agency Meet the Artists interview
Ladies What Brunch Hoxton Radio interview
Digital Arts
MacUser
Varoom
The Mix Future Interiors
TESTIMONIALS
"Special thanks goes to the illustrator Laura Barrett, who is a pleasure to work with and whose collaboration and professionalism were gifts to this project."
Noel Daniel, Taschen. Quote from The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
"I was lucky enough to hire Laura to work on a project, and I'm so glad I did! She worked quickly, had great communication, and her work was brilliantly whimsical, quite beautiful, and unique!" Lucien Spelman, Mushy Peas Productions
MENTORING
Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss mentoring sessions, on a regular or ad hoc basis.
I can provide feedback, advice, a portfolio review, set you creative briefs and can help you to identify specific challenges and suggest problem solving.
I’m proud to be a part of The Association of Illustrators’ Mentorship scheme. Since last year I’ve very much enjoyed mentoring early-career graduate illustrators. Head to The AOI’s website for more details.
I’m also regularly involved in London College of Communication’s Industry Mentoring Programme and their Rapid Portfolio Review sessions.
All images © Laura Barrett
Please do not reproduce without permission