Hello! I am Ellan, a Northern Irish author-illustrator.
My first author illustrated book, "The Secret Elephant" is out now!
I completed an MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of art, but I also have a First Class Honors degree in Illustration from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee.
A huge animal lover, my stories often centre around animals and silly stories I read in the news. I'm often inspired by history, cinema and stories I hear. Maybe because I've worked in film and costume departments, I'm very interesting in creating a whole world. I'm often inspired by historical fashion and interiors in my work. I like to do a lot of research into what I'm creating, whether that's a lot of googling of 1970's style bathrooms, or 1980's jackets.
When I’m not illustrating, I’m generally found cuddling my dog, playing video games or thinking about all the foods I’d love to eat but probably shouldn't.
Shortlisted for Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2024
Winner of the Sebastian Walker Prize for Picturebooks 2020
Winner of the Carmelite Prize 2020
Winner of Picture This 2020
Winner of the Student Award at the Cheltenham Illustration Awards 2020
Third Place in Templar Design and Illustration Awards 2020 Picture book Category
Shortlisted New Talent in the AOI World Illustration Awards 2020
If you're interested in working with me or just want a chat -
ellanrankin@gmail.com
or Contact my agent Jodie Hodges-
JHodges@unitedagents.co.uk