Editorial Illustration | Frances Marcellin

JOURNAL

The last 12 months have been a total whirlwind as I've been immersing myself in making as many illustrations with the maximum progress as is humanly possible. Pivoting careers is not an easy task I can tell you! Especially with four, how shall we describe them, 'lively' (and lovely) children to bring up in the process.

It was my goal to launch my online journal in Q4 2025 and I have reached my objective - hooray! (Today is 7th November 2025.) I'm so happy that you're here with me. I also have plans to start a newsletter, which I may well do via Substack...we'll see, so if you fancy that please sign up here.

In the meantime, THANK YOU for being here, for reading what I've written and please do leave a comment as I would love to connect with you and hear what you think.

I hope to speak to you soon. Fran xx

Editorial concept illustration for the New Scientist, a mock up via Inkygoodness editorial illustration course, of people dancing round a maypole with DNA as the ribbons

Editorial Illustration Case Study: Conceptual Artwork for New Scientist Magazine

As part of Inkygoodness' Editorial Illustrator's Playbook course I responded to a mock brief for New Scientist where I produced a conceptual editorial illustration focused around longevity and how science, mindset and habits intertwine.

Frances Marcellin

Nov 7, 20253 min read

Are you out and about sketching yet? We’ve had a few decent days here in the Tarn recently so I left the kiddos with hubby for a few hours (they’re still on their 2-week hols from school) & set myself up in a local park to do some sketching.

It was blooming and blustery & I managed to sit for four hours moving round the table catching different angles and goings on.

This session was part of an project for my coursework at the OCA but I thought it also worked well for my first Walk to See entry, which is #walktoseegrowth for March. I’m on the Business of Illustration course with @thegoodshipillustration & one of the founders/tutors Helen runs this IG challenge so I thought I’d give it a go.

The trees and horses were a joy to sketch, the horses were a bit flighty from the windy & a bit fighty so it was fun to capture their interactions. I decided to play around with my glass-nib dip pen & ink.

I was pretty much left alone & could get into a lovely flow. However, at one point a lady came over to the table in a panic looking for a necklace she’d lost from the day before. She was visibly stressed & upset but she found it on the corner of the table I was sitting at right away. It was tiny & in a groove, so I hadn’t even seen it! We had a lovely interaction & conversation. She’d worn the necklace since her son was born. The previous day it had got caught up in her hair, so she’d taken it off, usually she keeps it on all the time, but at that moment her son called for her help at the playground, so she put it down & rushed to help him. Then they had to leave and she’d completely forgotten that the necklace was on the table.

She was so happy to find it and I felt really relieved for her that it was still there waiting for her to collect it.

Finding joy, positivity and connection in these small moments is so important I’ve found, especially as violence and war escalate in the world. My heart really goes out to those in Gaza, Iran, Ukraine and all the families & lives impacted by these unnecessary “wars”.

Here’s to more spring sketching outdooors!

Thanks for stopping by.

#walktosee #sketchbook #penandinkart #illustratorsofinstagram

Last Saturday a missile hit Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Iran killing up to 168 people, the majority were school girls. It makes me so sad and outraged, and so this drawing I did in November is, horrifically, more relevant than ever.

I was hoping to post some sketches that I did recently of my local area and a few watercolours, as I’ve been taking a bit of time out from digital work getting back to brushes and paint. However, after seeing on my phone this morning in succcession: Elizabeth Warren confirming after a briefing this morning that the USA has no plan for the ‘illegal war’ in Iran, images of the little girls who died and Marco Rubio deny saying they went ‘preemptively’ into Iran as they knew Israel was going to launch attack (there’s footage of him saying it, ffs), I decided to post my illustration again instead.

Many news outlets have also reported that US military were informed that bombing Iran was ‘all part of God’s divine plan’ after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) received over 200 complaints from members of the US armed forces. I am appalled and devastated by what US power is driven by and acting on.

This is a very dangerous situation for the entire world and, as always, Tr*$mp’s distractions over the Epstein files, oil grabbing and Neta*$yahu’s decades-long obsession with Iran are combined driving forces (Iran is now preventing oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz) while normal, peaceful citizens lose their lives or have them completely destroyed by greed.

I can’t say all that I want to say, it’s too much, too heart breaking, I’m going to do some painting with my kids this morning (yesterday we had a lovely time painting rocks that we collected on our walk as they are still on school holidays) and I appreciate how fortunate I am to have that possibility. My heart goes out to all the people affected by the despicable actions of the US and Israel. I hope profusely that this situation de-escalates, and that these hateful war criminals stop these heinous acts.

#USNews #USPolitics #cartoon #warcrimes #illustration

I’m excited to share that my “Ice Ice Baby” design was selected as part of the “Good Things for All Minnesota” postcard collection at @anthology230 (a paper and craft shop in Madison, WI).

A month ago, a customer called the shop nearly in tears, asking for affordable postcards she could buy in bulk to send to legislators objecting to ICE. What began as 25 postcards from 25 artists grew into something amazing:

- 100+ artists contributed (including me)
- 120 postcard designs have been sent to Anthology
- 5 different postcard packs were created
- 4,283 postcards have already been sold

$3,000 has already been sent to Minnesota communities for mutual + legal aid supporting those affected by ICE, and donations will continue.

Anthology has also donated approximately $2,000 in time and printing costs to make this happen.

The postcard packs are designed for two things:
A) Raising money for mutual and legal aid.
B) Giving people a tangible way to use their voices - sending postcards to federal, state, city and county decision-makers about how we treat our fellow human beings and uphold the Constitution.

Each pack contains 25 different postcards and costs $25.

Shipping is $10, or free in-store pickup in Madison, Wisconsin.

Individual postcards are available in-store for $1 each.

My design is in Pack B and can be ordered via Anthology’s website - link in their bio. Navigate to the “$25 good things for all: Minnesota” and pick the pack you want (A-E).

Please note: postcard packs unfortunately cannot be shipped outside of the United States.

Thank you to Sachi & Laura Komai, the sisters running this unique project and the Anthology store.

Art is powerful as protest - especially when artists come together. Even if you’re not in the US and currently unaffected by ICE, being proactive matters. We are not truly free if our fellow humans are not free. Awareness and solidarity matter. Supporting those impacted by unjust governing and creeping authoritarianism is part of how we help turn the wheels of change.

#Fuckice #abolishice #Minnesota #Minneapolis #mnstrong

Hard to believe - or actually is it? - that another murder by ICE happened today in Minneapolis.

This time it was a white man, a US citizen, holding a mobile phone and legally observing ICE - who approached him.

ICE is now executing bystanders. Don’t be swayed by the propaganda, yes he was carrying a weapon, which is legal in Minnesota, but he was calmly holding his phone.

This is absolutely horrific and ICE must be abolished before more innocent people are kidnapped, caged or killed in cold blood.

#abolishice #minneapolis #protestart #protestartist

I’m sick to the pit of my stomach all day with the news, I mean it’s vertiginous and there’s no break, just more evil insanity at break-neck speed - from little kids getting detained by ICE to boards of ‘peace’ to occupy Gaza made up of morally-bereft corrupt con men, most of them war criminals, who want the exact opposite. I guess they think we’re stupid and we believe the propaganda.

The news about Liam Ramos broke my heart. I have a five year old and I just can’t imagine the trauma that little boy is going through, especially being held outside the door to his mum (many news articles say it was as bait), her too scared to open it as she’s inside with other kids, acting on instructions of her husband who is getting taken away. How can that poor little boy understand what’s happening and why his mum won’t open the door to him? How frightening to be taken off by ICE all alone. The government says what were we supposed to do? Well, how about not make people so f**king terrified that a mother can’t open the door to her son. I mean they shot a calm white US citizen (Renee Good) in the face last week, of course she’s terrified. There were neighbours and the school offering to take him as well apparently, but they detained him anyway. Another boy in a cage.

In the Guardian article (swipe to read) Becky Wolozin, an attorney with the National Center for Youth Law, says that these families aren’t dangerous and they’re trying to follow the rules, stating: ‘This is totally, 100% unnecessary and 100% designed to hurt kids.’

According to the Guardian, 3,800 minors - many babies at just one or two years old - were booked into detention by ICE between January and October 2025.

This terror and the terrorising of children needs to stop, whether that is in Gaza or the US or anywhere, as a mum I just can’t bear the thought of how traumatised and frightened they must be. I hope we can all do as much as we can to prevent this from continuing.

#Stopfascism #stopice #liamramos #protestart

Today I was asked how I want to feel when I’m creating so I drew this sketch showing a light-filled ethereal kind of space bubble, lost in the moment somewhere in the world between time and space.
Given the state of the world I think I’m going to create more!! It’s a good place to be.
Knowing how we want to feel when we’re creating is a great way to guide creative direction! 😍⭐️💫

#Illustratorsofinstagram #loveart #illustration #keepthatsameenergy

This started life as a three-minute sketch - Posca Pens on bamboo sketchpad (the paper did not like the pens either) - with @inkygoodnesscollective and this evening I made it into a piece of protest artwork that could work well as stickers or magnets. You can swipe to see its first iteration.

With all that’s going on, making space for art to be an outrage outlet as well as a more confined and controlled ‘meet the brief’ one, is really important for me I’ve realised. So I think I’m going to be making more protest art as the year goes on. I think the audio of Who Are The Terrorists is very apt for this post. We know who they are though, don’t we.

#Protestart #fascistusa #reneegood

Hey everyone! What a year that week was (I know that’s a cliché thing to say, but wow, ww3 beckoning with French/German/European troops arriving in Greenland, Trump reminding people that whole milk is spelt with a w (we know he was surprised by this) 🙄, him falsely receiving the Nobel Peace Prize as a bribe from Machado for Venezuela rule (she left with a DT goodie bag), Minneapolis x ICE horror, the poor young man being blinded by ICE literally and the baby that was tear gassed and stopped breathing, the lack of ceasefire and continuing violence in Gaza, the end of hunger strikes for three Palestine Action activists as Elbit loses its UK contract…I mean and that’s just off the top of my head).

Finding JOY is a mission right now isn’t it, and so as part of a 10-day creative reset with the lovely people at @inkygoodnesscollective, I decided to draw dogs.

🐕 Me and my kiddos call my Lab Sunny ‘therapy dog’ as he’s always ready for a cuddle and senses when we need one - we’re so lucky to have him. 🥰

Dogs bring me joy, so this prompt was a mini collection, without any real planning, and a consistency like the same colour palette. So here are four doggies using the same colour palette.

You can swipe for close ups and a 30-second process video. I think each dog took about 10 minutes or so. I drew them while I was watching One Battle After Another, which I know everyone is praising, but I definitely have some issues with the way black women are stereotyped in this film.

Anyway, I digress. The dog breeds are (from L to R): Shorkie, Boston Terrier, Chinese Crested (I LOVE sketching these beauts) and the Jack Russell.

🐶And I think they need names, so if you aren’t running out the office door and can think of a name or two let me know as I can add them to the page. Thank you!! :) 🐾🐾

It is Friday, phew, but in Europe it’s also late afternoon when all the awful news starts beaming over from America so we’re bracing….

Hope you have a good one and can stay calm amidst the turmoil. 💜

#Dogillustrations #dogdrawings #dogillustrator #animalillustration #chinesecresteddog

My version of the Silver-eared Mesia for the @birbfest.challenge

As usual the process vid is in the second slide. Thanks for having a look. 💜

#birbfest2026 #illustratorsoninstragram #birdillustration #kidlitillustration

It was my birthday on Friday and after a beautiful long weekend of art galleries, delicious meals, flowers and hand-drawn cards, book gifts that I’m dying to read, art material pressies from friends, fun with the kids and a snowy thermal spa afternoon with my husband in the Pyrenees we’re getting back into normal life again.

I turned 50, which feels significant, and in my head I thought I’d share a reel of what we did and then I stalled after, partly because I felt pretty wiped out after such a busy few days, but mainly because it feels so difficult to show some good times when so many are experiencing such horror and when we’re so concerned about the volatility and cruelty of Tr**p’s regime, the gen*%ide in G*%a, and what will happen with NATO and in Europe. It doesn’t feel crazy anymore to question if we’re on the brink of WW3 (as I was pondering this six months ago).

My heart goes out to everyone affected. Also I’m pleased to see during this awards season - because I love film dearly & deeply but the pomp feels jarring in the US - some actors, like Mark Ruffalo, using their platform for the truth especially over the horrific murder of mother and poet Renee Good, along with so many other murders, detentions and abuses of innocent people by I*E.

I think the art gallery images of the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac exhibition I went to could bring some joy, which is very much needed at the moment, so I may still create a post around that. He’d even made a series of jackets out of cuddly toys which did bring a smile to my face, and he also has some wonderful collage pieces - especially “RIOT” which feels powerful and relevant.

Anyway, this is the Indian Paradise Flycatcher for #birbfest2026 - I’m enjoying making a little collection of poems and illustrations for children based around these prompts so I will continue as much as time allows around work and kids (three out of four were off sick yesterday)…. There’s a process vid on the second slide.

Thank you for stopping by. Sending love and light to you all. 💜

#birdillustration #kidlitartist #kidlitillustration #childrensbookillustration

The Golden-headed Manakin is the fourth prompt for Birbest and I guess that means I’m four days behind.

I’m going to stop beating myself up about this though because I’m back at work and have a sick kid at home, so just doing my best to muddle through as usual. I’m going to work at my own pace and be happy with that and simply focus on enjoying creating these birbs and not spend any more time worrying about the delay. There are enough things to stress about in this world right now without adding pointless worry.

Slide 2 has a process vid thanks to @procreate’s timelapse video feature.

This little birb loves to catch the eye of the ladies and also likes to pluck fruit as it flies past - how clever and productive! They’re also renowned for their madly enthusiastic mating dance where they hop from perch to perch - look on YT to see them in action.

Thanks for taking a look. 💜

@birbfest.challenge is hosted by @monkeymintaka #birbfest2026 #neurodivergentartist #childrensbookillustrator #childrensbookillustration

I’m very behind on Birbfest (@birbfest.challenge hosted by @monkeymintaka) and I should’ve just left this Razorbill prompt, but I was determined to finish it. One penguin cake and party later for my 5 year old, and I just finished it after work while waiting for my three big kids to finish swimming. It’s all mum fun.

Anyway, here’s the illustration with a silly poem as I am loving doing these, and then a 30-second process vid.

Thanks for having a look.
💜

#birbfest2026 #illustratorsofinstagram🎨 #kidlitillustration #birbfest

The Many-coloured Rush Tyrant is the second prompt for #birbfest2026

I really love making up poems for kids and I’m going to try and do as many as I can during this challenge - scroll to see a process vid.

Not sure about tomorrow as it’s my youngest’s fifth birthday party and I should be prepping pass the parcel instead of sitting here posting. Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by today.

@birbfest.challenge #birbfest #birdart #kidlitillustration #birbfest2026day2

Well, the @birbfest.challenge started today, which is hosted by @monkeymintaka, and it’s all about the Bronzewing Pigeon. 🎉

I loved participating last year and will join with as many as I can this time - my second Birbfest. The goal is to have fun with it as you can probably tell by my illustration and silly poem. 😆

I’ve included the final image as well as a process video - via Procreate - showing start to finish.

Here’s to birbfest2026 and I’m so looking forward to seeing what my fellow artists and illustrators come up with during this fabulous challenge.

Thanks for stopping by. 💜

#birbfest2026 #kidlitillustration #kidlitillustrator #childrensbookillustration

Happy New Year to you all. I am wishing you an enriching and peaceful year that bubbles with joy and love.

2025 was a very difficult year for me healthwise. At one point I didn’t know where to turn to understand what was happening to me. I’d understood 2025 was a culmination from my whole life that snowballed from when I first got noticeably sick in 2018. Over the last couple of years pushing through and carrying on like a train didn’t work anymore, especially after I had my fourth baby in 2020. But this year, after many dead ends, I doubled down on my research and commitment to understanding what’s wrong - and I succeeded. In December I had the answers I needed and the suspicions I had from my research were confirmed.

This year I’m going to share more about this journey and the answers I now have about why I felt so poorly and how and why the treatment I’ve found is working. It’s not going to be easy for me to open up, but I really want to because I think it will be helpful to others. I just have to find the right format and space to do so. With four kids, this is the first moment I’ve had for social media in a while, but once they’re back at school I plan to have more time to share what I have discovered over the last seven years.

After a couple of years of intense training, and passing the first unit of my illustration degree with the OCA, I’m planning on 2026 being the year where my illustration career takes off. I’m ready and energised and actively seeking opportunities for collaboration. Yes, AI is scary, but there’s enough people in the world who appreciate human connection and creativity and it’s that market we need to focus on. Real people looking for real stories in real life.

Fake is over. Real is in. Nothing beats authenticity, it’s just the world lost sight of this a little.

Self-care can be difficult, but in 2026 let’s take better care of ourselves and be strong to advocate for ourselves and those who are struggling or in need. The world is more divisive and fragmented than ever before, but love, connection, democracy, compassion, empathy and belief that good will overcome is more important than ever.

#happynewyear2026 #illustrator #love

Christmas Eve is here, Santa is on his way, kids are bubbling over with excitement - & I wish it was the same for children everywhere.
Happy Christmas - a late night beckons….
Love and peace to you all.
💜

#illustratorofinstagram #santaillustration #fatherchristmas🎅 #christmaseveeve

Today’s sketches for the kids is all about cats. We’ve got the Persian, Savannah, Oriental Shorthair and Himalayan.

It’s my mum’s 87th birthday 🎉 so we’re heading out for lunch at a Chinese restaurant - her favourite.

Thanks for stopping by. 💜

#Christmascats #catsketches #lovesketching #illustratorsofinstagram

Uh oh doggy disbelief, there’s only one present under the tree - but what is Marmalade hiding by the window? 🦴😆🎄

More Christmassy animal antics to come. Thanks for stopping by. 💜🎄

#dogschristmas #dogillustrator #kidsbookillustration #childrensbookillustrator

Here are another four sketches I did for each of my kids. I’ve decided to start sharing some of these sketches, which I first started doing for them a couple of years ago. This time it is four bears: brown bear, polar bear, red panda and giant panda.

For my kids they come with a little ‘love you’ note and some kisses. Hope you like them too. 💜

Thanks for popping in today.

#bearillustration #sketchesoninstagram #beardrawing #childrensillustrations

I made a reel to let you know that my Birds of Wonder calendar, featuring 12 off my fave birds, hand drawn by me, now has 50% off. Now €12.99 instead of €24.99 you can pick up a bargain for you, family or friends. These aren’t for sale anywhere else, each image has been drawn with love and we ship worldwide.

Buy at my “Art Shop” at francesmarcellin.com or visit https://artandlanguageclub.myshopify.com

Thanks for having a look and stopping by! I’ve already got mine on the wall 😆💜

#birdsofwonder #birdcalendar2026 #calendar2026 #birdcalendar #birdillustrator

Seven days until Christmas. 🎅This illustration is inspired by one of the French villages in the Tarn where I live. It is so pretty and set in the hills with a river running through it.

These prints are available as packs of 10 Christmas cards, although it’s probably too late to buy cards to write & send now, but anyway, I’m sharing because it’s a heartwarming scene and heartwarming is much needed right now with all that is happening in the world.

If you’re one of my “73 views” or whatever I’m often getting on Instagram, thanks for stopping by. It’s more like “unsocial media” in 2025 or should that be “anti-social media”? 🤣💜

#christmascards #illustration #illustrator #illustration #illustrationforkids

I often sketch animals for my kids so I’m sharing the four dogs I did last night - I print them off and give each of them one in the morning with a little ‘love you’ message. 🥰❤️

🐶Dogs featured in the 16 Dec 2025 issue are the Chinese Crested, Bichon Frise, Barbet and Chihuahua.

I may start posting more of these sketches - they’re pretty quick to do and one of my favourite things to draw, especially because of the hugs and smiles at the end of the process.

Do you have fave? I’m thinking I should probably name them….

Thanks for stopping by 💜

Despite our stressful global political and environmental situation, I’m trying to do little things that bring joy into my day. I know not everyone has this privilege and I’m aware of it, but it is fun to be able to share Christmas illustrations at this time of year.

I loved drawing this animal band sooo much. I think the sax-playing llama - shall we call him Larry? 🥰 - is my favourite. Which one are you keenest on?

This version is also available as a Christmas card on my site (link in bio).

If you hovered on my post today, thank you. I appreciate you stopping by! 💜

#llamaillustration #christmascards2025 #christmasillustrations #animalchristmas #illustratorinstagram

Lillylou and Larry is the fifth prompt in #theimaginedbookcover challenge.

I’m not sure I’ll be able to create any more, and anyway the challenge is over, but I’m glad I could join in for the covers I have done.

Lillylou is a red squirrel and Larry is a red fox and they LOVE to meet up at midnight for trampoline bouncing and all kinds of other antics.🦊🐿️

I loved drawing these little characters, it was so much fun.

The hosts of the challenge - and big thanks to them - are:
@mosokje
@sudden.strangeness
@marinahenina
@m.smith.j
@katya_tabakh
@mark_timmins77
@isorossart
@fuertgesillustration
@jacquie_hughes
@juliee_zhangg
@annamacstudio

If you want to see some amazingly beautiful illustrations go to their handles and the hashtags, it’s a winter wonderland.

Thanks so much for stopping by.💜

#theimaginedbookcover2025e #childrensbookillustrator #illustratricefrance #kidsillustrator

This is my entry for Eleanora’s Sneeze for the #imaginedbookcover2025.

For this cover I imagined Eleanora as a giraffe who has allergies and, as a result, a slight problem with loud, windy and snotty sneezes. Needless to say whenever she has a sneeze attack it affects all of her jungle friends. At first they get pretty angry with her, but in the end they grow to understand how they can help her manage her troublesome symptoms in the kindest, cutest ways.

I’ve also added a speedy timelapse of the process I went through making the artwork.

The wonderful hosts of this challenge are:
@mosokje
@sudden.strangeness
@m.smith.j
@katya_tabakh
@ruthfulknit
@mark_timmins77
@isrossart
@fuertgesillustration
@jacquie_hughes
@julieeee_zhang
@annamacstudio

The book covers for this challenge have been absolutely stunning, I urge you to check out the work of the hosts and those of the participants under the hashtags, it really is a glorious place to scroll for a time.

#theimaginedbookcover2025d #picturebookmaker #childrensbookillustrator #childrensbookillustrations

This is my entry for #theimaginedbookcover2025 prompt The Cat and Lord Snodbury - running late of course due to travelling this week.

I feel as though I can’t write this post without mentioning how good the screening of Goodbye June was that I went to while I was in London which turned out to be the world premiere. Kate Winslet, in all her powerful glory, was on stage talking about how proud she was of her son, who wrote the script - first as part of his screenwriting course, then she realised it had legs and they decided to make it together. Love this mother/son collab! As a mum I could feel the pride radiating out of her for him.

That wasn’t the only point during the evening that I had tears in my eyes.

Netflix had cleverly put a cotton hankie (embroidered with Goodbye June) with popcorn and water on our seats, but the sorrow was well balanced with so much humour and extremely well observed, especially adult sibling relationships…the nuances were beautifully written…and their impact on mum well portrayed by Helen Mirren. Timothy Spall, Stephen Merchant and Toni Colette provided much of the laughs and were on top form. Swipe to see a few pics.

Back to The Cat and Lord Snodbury for which I had a graphic novel type of story in mind, aimed at children, telling of the special relationship between a young cat and a Lord who rescued him in what he thought were his last moments. I included a quick process vid too.

The wonderful hosts for this challenge are (and thanks to them):
@mosokje
@sudden.strangeness
@marinahenina
@m.smith.j
@katya_tabakh
@ruthfulknit
@mark_timmins77
@isrossart
@fuertgesillustration
@jacquie_hughes
@julieeee_zhang
@annamacstudio

Thanks so much for stopping by, much appreciated.

#theimaginedbookcover2025 #theimaginedbookcover2025c #graphicnovel #picturebookillustration

Please forgive my lateness posting the second prompt in The Imagined Bookcover Challenge 2025. I am in London this week - saw the incredible @sarah_keyworth last night for a recording of their show at the Soho Theatre in Walthamstow, which was so funny, but also incredibly authentic and a beautiful tribute to their family. It’s on tonight as well if you’re in town and love their work as much as I do.

Anyhoo, I sketched this one on the plane - as you can see by the picture of my journal on the (annoyingly small) pull-down tray and then finished it this morning. I had done a few sketches in my head and this was the one I decided to go with. There’s a quick process vid too.

This week I’m rushing around so much, but I do want to take the time to look at everyone’s entries for this challenge. The ones I have seen so far are absolutely beautiful from just the most talented illustrators.

I’ve tagged the hosts in my image and we’re supposed to tag them in the caption too - and thanks so much to every single one of you for this lovely challenge! 💜

@mosokje @sudden.strangeness @marinahenina @m.smith.j @katya_tabkh @ruthfulknit @mark_timmins77 @isrossart @fuertgesillustration @jacquie_hughes @julieeee_zhang @annamacstudio

#theimaginedbookcover2025 #theimaginedbookcover2025b #picturebookmaker #picturebookartist #childrensbookart

Daisy Sweetapple Lives Next Door is the first prompt in The Imagined Bookcover challenge this year.

This is my entry! I've included some sketches and a quick vid showing a bit of the process...scroll to see.

I wanted to create a character that was full of fun, that would make one of my kids want to pick up the book and delve into its story.

Happy to say that I did get their seal of approval. The monkey is based on one of my childhood toys, Sam, although he had a stripey top and his hands were stitched together with a cotton thread so that I could walk around with his arms around my neck.

Is Daisy's monkey real or her own little Sam? I guess you'd have to read the story to find out exactly what goes on next door! :)

I am away travelling this week, so I'm not sure I will be able to contribute to every prompt as I haven't prepped the challenge due to other commitments, but I'll participate in as many as possible - I'll have a couple of flights where that iPad will definitely be coming out.

Loving all the book covers so far 😍 - check out the hashtags to see some amazing work. Thanks to all the hosts (who we are asked to mention in the caption) - who are producing excellent illustrations - as always!!:

@mosokje (thank you for organising this challenge)
@sudden.strangeness
@marinahenina
@m.smith.j
@katya_tabakh
@ruthfulknit
@mark_timmins77
@isrossart
@fuertgesillustration
@jacquie_hughes
@julieeee_zhang
@annamacstudio

Hope you like this one - if you've got time, let me know in the comments, thank youuu!

#theimaginedbookcover2025 #theimaginedbookcover2025a #picturebookmaker #picturebookartist #childrenbookart #childrenbookillustrator #childrensbookillustrator #illustrator #illustratorfrance #illustration #illustratorsofinstagram

Inspired by my four lovely, lively cheeky kids and dog! Just sharing one of my latest illustrations going into the weekend. Hope you have a good one. Thanks for stopping by.

💜

#kidsanddogs #kidsandanimals #illustration #illustrator

🌵My last simple pattern in this collection - plus another in two colourways that I was playing around with. I liked the idea of placing the cacti in the rope hearts and making a fan pattern, so I did! 🏜️

🌍For anyone reading my Stories, thank you, there’s quite a lot going on there, especially the sharing of some important subjects that need tackling and keeping in our collective consciousness at the moment, from Gaza to GLP1s.

🎄Also, if you need Christmas-themed mugs, or a bird calendar, or meditation art prints, check out my little art shop (link in bio) - you can get an immediate 10% off by signing up for updates once you’re there.

💜Thanks for stopping by!

#surfacedesign #patterndesign #wildwestart #surfacepatterndesigner #surfacepatternprint #surfacedesigns #surfacedesigncommunity #illustrator #illustratorsofig #illustratorsofinstagram🎨

I needed a simple pattern to join the others in a complementary fashion. In a world that's prickly (to say the least, right?! People, politics, so many pricklies out there) I need harmony, so I hope this creation did the job at least for my collection.

I just can't help myself with mock ups so I went for toddler vest, gift bags and beach tote. I think my fave is the toddler vest...or maybe it's just the toddler, haha, so cute. Anyway, if you stopped by and had a look at my pattern and pics - thank you kindly. 💜

#surfacedesign #wildwestart #patterndesign #artlicensing #artlicensingdesign #artlicensingartist

Earthy, grounded, hopeful and new horizons are what guided decisions around the next pattern in this collection. I tried it with the duvet mock up and liked the way it turned out. As we stoke the fire here - it is still freezing but the snow went and it’s now very sunny - I’d like to dive under that cosy cover! 🥶☀️🌅

Have a great Saturday everyone. Thanks for stopping by! 💙

#surfacedesign #surfacedesigner #surfacepatterndesigner #patterndesign #patterndesigner #patternmaking #surfacedesigns #surfacedesigncommunity #surfacedesigntribe

Finding calm quiet moments to look inward and re-energise are so important. 🌵🏜️This next pattern in my Wild West for Tweens collection came tumbling into my mind as I thought of cosy covers or a blanket in a book nook. Then I found a mock up! 😍📚

Swipe to see how I’d love to use pattern (as I sit under a blanket reading a book). Also it has just started to snow - quite unusual for where I’m based in the Tarn, France! ❄️🌨️

Hope you like this collection so far! Thanks for having a look today. 🩵

#surfacedesign #surfacepatterndesigner #surfacepatterndesign #surfacepatterncommunity #surfacepatternprint #surfacedesigns #patterndesign #tweendecor #homedesign #homedecorideas

According to Vogue magazine, gingham became the print of summer 2025! For the second pattern in this collection I wanted a soft pink gingham background to bring that breezy, bright nostaligic feel to the girl-themed Wild West motifs. We associate gingham with clothing but also picnic blankets and vintage fabrics so I tried out mockups for bedding and picnics - swipe to see.

I loved creating my take on gingham for this collection!

Thanks for having a look! 💜

#ginghampattern #wildwestart #surfacedesign #surfacedesigner #surfacedesigntribe #surfacedesigns #artlicensing #artlicence #illustrator #illustratorsoninstagram #illustratorsofinstagram

I wanted to create a complex pattern that would pick up motifs in both of the hero images. In consultation with my focus group (my two girls who are 9 and 10 years old 😆🥰) we decided on the most important elements to include, while also leaving enough options for a second complex pattern in the collection.

We were thinking a lot about wallpaper with this design, but also bedding and cushions! A Wild West tween haven! 😍 When we looked at mock ups we also loved the picnic blanket!

So, here’s the question, which application do you like the most for this pattern? Wallpaper, bedding or blanket? I even made an exciting poll. 🤣 I think overall I’m at wallpaper…. if you fancy voting your opinion there is a poll (I almost deleted it by mistake, so hopefully it is still there).

Thanks for stopping by today. 💜

#artlicensing #artlicense #artwork #tweendecor #tweenbedroom #surfacedesign #pattern #patternmaking #patterndesign #patterndesigners #patterndesigner #surfacepatterndesigner #surfacepatternprint

Sharing a mock up of the two Wild West-themed posters from the last couple of days because I really liked how they look mounted together in a girly room.

Thanks for stopping by. Xx

#surfacedesign #tweenart #surfacedesigner #surfacedesignerofinstagram #homedecor #homedecoration #bedroomdesign #bedroomideas #officeideas #officedecor #tweenroom #tweenroomdecor #artlicensing #artlicensingdesign #artlicensingartist #artlicensingportfolio #artlicensingagent

Are you wild at heart? The second hero image in my Wild West collection explores curiosity, courage and the need for balancing love and security with excitement and spontaneity.

It’s a collection aimed mostly at tween girls, but seeing as some of my mum friends and their teenage kids have shown really positive feedback towards the images perhaps its appeal extends outside of this category too.

I hope you like this one. If you stopped by to have a look, thank you. It is never easy posting my art on social media and I have to take a deep breath before I press “share” every single time.

Have a great day folks. Xx

#wildwestart #surfacedesign #surfacedesigner #surfacedesigntribe #surfacedesigns #surfacedesigncommunity #surfacepatterns #surfaceillustration #tweengirlstyle #homedecor #tweendecor #homedecorideas #homedecoration #homedecorinspiration #tweenbedroom #tweenbedroommakeover #goodshipillo #illustratorsofig

Born Free is the first poster in a new Wild West collection I’ve created for the tween market. Will upload its sister tomorrow.
Have a great Saturday night folks. 💜

#surfacedesign #surfacedesigner #bornfree #artdirector #homedecor #tweendecor #roomdecoration #roomdecorations #bedroomideas #bedroomdesignideas #bedroominspo #tweenroom #horseloversofinstagram #horseoftheday #wildwestpattern #wildwestdesign #goodshipillo #illustratorsofig

My first journal post describes the process I went through from initial sketches to final piece for this artwork (on francesmarcellin.com).

I’ve just finished a six-week course - the Editorial Illustrator’s Playbook - with @inkygoodness where we took on two magazine briefs from conception to final artwork. I chose a ‘mock’ New Scientist brief (so please note this artwork is a mock up and not how the piece was published by New Scientist), based on the article ‘How to Nurture the Right Mindset for Living to 100’. As I have been writing in the health and fitness space for years it’s a familiar area of interest, and, while I used to write for New Scientist as a freelance reporter a few years back, I’d love to work on the illustration side in the future.

I came up with three sketch concepts (swipe to see - and reasons for these are in the journal post), but finally I went with the maypole idea.

The reason is because maypole dancing is a traditional event that brings the community together, young and old. The article linked community and social connection as crucial to human longevity - and at one point the writer says that close relationships positively affect our hormones, our immune systems and even how our genes are expressed. I decided that I could demonstrate the author’s point visually by making the ribbons from DNA.

Thinking conceptually and metaphorically is crucial in editorial illustration and I loved the excercises and briefs on this course as it helped me to start training my brain in this direction. I’ve more artwork from this course that I’d like to post soon.

You can read more about the process here: https://www.francesmarcellin.com/post/case-study-my-first-new-scientist-brief

Thanks so much for stopping by today. 💜

#editorial #editorialillustration #editorialillustrator #editorialillustrations #illustratrice #illustratorinstagram #editorialsketch #editorialartwork #artdirector #artdirectors #longevity #fitness #health #healthwriter #healthjournalist #longevitylifestyle #fitnesswriter #fitnesseditor #fitnessmagazine #longevitymagazine

Another drawing from outrage.😭😨

If you see this then thanks for having a look. 💜

#Trump #Netanyahu #usa #fascisminamerica #gazaunderattack #gaza #illustratorsofinstagram #illustratorforhire #politicalcartoon #politicalillustration #politicalart #fascism #humanrights #politicalcorruption #trumppuppet #trumpnetanyahu

Finally posting @inktober’s ‘firefly’ prompt. I loved working on this little guy and going down a firefly rabbit hole.

Swipe for a five-second process vid.

Here are a eight things that I learned:

Fireflies are mostly carnivorous.
They only live long enough to mate, but larvae live up to 2 years.
They love tropical regions.
Two chemicals, luciferase and luciferin, exist in their tails.
They leak bitter blood - poisonous to some animals - when attacked.
There are approximately 2,000 species of firefly.
They use their light to communicate and find a mate.
Each has a unique flashing pattern.

Which one surprised you the most? I had no idea they each had their own light flashing pattern….

Thanks so much for popping in.

#inktober #inktober2025 #inktober2025firefly #penandink #firefly #fireflyart #fireflyartists #penandinkdrawing #penandinkartwork #penandinkillustration #insectart #insectartwork #illustratorforhire #illustratorfrance #illustratorofinstagram #illustratorart

Hello everyone! I’m really behind on @lnktober, but this is ‘blunder’ which was supposed to be day 16. Oops.

This poor bunny spent all the time picking his carrots and putting them in the kids’ wheelbarrow only to discover he couldn’t move it, the poor thing. Hugs to him! 🤗🐰

Hoping to be able to do ‘Arctic’ tomorrow, but I have old friends coming to stay with their kids, so if it doesn’t get done on the way to the airport to pick them up, it may not happen.

🥕Thanks for having a look. To see more of my artwork visit francesmarcellin.com - and check out some of my favourite scenes amd images from the awesome No Kings protests across the US, in my Stories. 💜

#inktober #inktoberblunder #inktober2025blunder #penandinkart #penandinkdrawing #inktober2025 #penandinkdrawings #penandinkillustration #penandinkartwork #penandinkcommunity #penandinkartist #kidlitillustration #kidlitillustrator #kidlitillustrators #illustrator #illustrationoninstagram #illustrationforkids #goodshipillo #illustratorsofig

I haven’t been able to keep up daily with @lnktober due to work and kids, but I managed to draw today’s, which was based on the prompt “ragged”. Recently I was watched Ray Fiennes in The Return, playing Odysseus. (I think the film had a lot of potential but it missed it’s chance for greatness.) Anyway, Ray Fiennes was “ragged” (and ripped! It has to be said) and there were some moments where he really commanded the scene, so he’s my inspiration! Thanks Ray!!

If you swipe there is a 30-second vid of me sketching it too.

Have you seen the film? Hope you like my drawing and thanks for popping in. 💜

#inktober2025 #inktober2025ragged #inktoberart #inktoberprompts #inktober52 #rayfiennes #actorart #illustration #illustrator #illustratorforhire #illustratorofinstagram #artlicense #artlicensing #portrait #penandink #penandinkart #hollywoodart #hollywoodartist #odysseus #thereturn #thereturnmovie

“Heavy” is today’s Inktober prompt and because I love donkeys and drawing them, we have one with a heavy load to carry. Poor thing, I hope he reaches his destination soon.

I tell you what is really heavy though, and that is thinking there may actually be a ceasefire in Gaza, watching Palastinians celebrating with such relief, and then seeing a little boy with half his head blown off on my phone when I go to check social media tonight. I winced so loud my husband asked me if I was ok. I’ve never seen this endless depth of depravity and cruelty and terrorism in my entire life. Just this non-stop senseless slaughter of children and families for what? How can, at this point, it be argued that they are anything but terrorists. Every time I see an image like this it affects me mentally, I constantly see them in my head they don’t go anywhere, you can’t just unsee it, and if they are affecting me so much, when I’m so far away, how much is this affecting those having to live there, or worse, be ravaged physically by Isxx.l’s murderous brutality. I don’t even have the words or the ability to really describe how this makes me feel. Even if that poor child survives what trauma and physical damage will he have to endure for his entire life. I’ll never ever forgive and forget what they have done to these people.

I ran out of donation money, but I’ve made a bird calendar for 2026 featuring 12 hand-drawn birds and 5 euros from every sale goes to help families in Gaza, so if you know someone who’d like a bird calendar for Christmas, maybe think about this one and support someone in need in the process. The shop link is in my bio or on my website: francesmarcellin.com - thanks in advance to anyone who buys one. Also, if you buy before 10 October, three customers can win a free latte mug (illustrated with the bird image from the front of the calendar, the collared trogon) - I’ll do a lucky dip to pick the winners at random.

Thanks for stopping by.

@inktober #inktober2025 #inktoberheavy #inktober52 #inktoberchallenge #inktober2025heavy #donkey #penandinnk #donkeyillustration #donkeyillustrations

Today’s @inktober prompt is ‘reckless’. Having seen Stephen Miller’s bizzaro interview on @CNN earlier where he just froze completely when he realised he was saying something he shouldn’t, I thought it was a perfect fit. I mean, it was reckless for him and the regime, but very eye opening and frankly terrifying for most other people who believe in democracy. I’ve posted a couple of Stories today that explain what plenary authority is and why he was dropping a clanger about their evil, secret, dictator plans, so have a look there if you want to know more. Don’t rely on CNN because they cut that bit out.

There’s also a quick vid showing the process too in the next slide as I was drawing in Procreate.

I know it’s not a perfect portrait, but you try getting those beady eyes right!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look, I appreciate it.

And please go over to #inktoberRECKLESS or #inktober2025 to peruse some of the most amazing art you’ll see all year, honestly the bar is so high in this challenge.

#inktober #inktoberreckless #inktober2025reckless #inktober2025 #inktoberchallenge #inktober52 #stephenmilller #cnn

This is my submission for @inktober’s Day 5: Deer - and, yes, I’m late because after a weekend where I became the mum of a teenager for the first time (although it’s felt like I’ve been the mum of a teenager for a very long time) and coming down with an ear infection/flu since my swim training on Wednesday it’s difficult for anything else other than gold old work, but, late or not, here I come with deer. I’m just trying to do as many as I can.

If you have time check out #inktober2025 a lot of the work on there is breathtaking - and I know I’m nowhere near this level, but I love drawing in pen and ink and really that’s all that matters - I’m just happy to be part of this year’s Inktober group. The world is heavy and difficult and drawing is highly therapeutic, so if you needed a sign to pick up a pencil and even just do a little doodle today let this be it. Xx

Thanks for stopping by.

#inktober2025 #inktoberchallenge #inktober2025deer #inktober52

“Weave” is today’s prompt for @inktober and I did a few drawings around the Tharu women in Lumbini, Nepal, who weave grasses into baskets. There are various uses from grain storage to carrying goods. Their creations are also a sign of resilience because despite climate change and its impact on grass growth, they continue to weave, introducing the skill to younger generations, bringing hope to the community and a sustaining connection to the land.

Source: UNESCO

If you paused your scrolling to look at my drawing - thank you.

#inktober2025 #inktober #nepal #tharu #inktober2025weave

This time last year I promised myself that I’d do the next @inktober illustration challenge and my goodness how quickly those 12 months have passed because it is here.

I’m heavy from all the news and in the middle of several writing and illustration projects, and it feels frivolous to try and fit in a drawing challenge admist all this and so much turmoil and suffering, but I really want to spend time on my pen and ink work and keep the internal promise I made.

I don’t know if i will be able to draw all the prompts, but at least I’ll start as I mean to go on.

The first prompt is “mustache” and for this I’ve gone for Charlie Chaplin’s, specifically during his monologue in The Last Dictator - his first film in dialogue - with some of his lines included on the page. If you swipe you can watch a quick process vide from sketch to final piece - continue to see screenshots of the whole monologue, accessed via charliechaplin.com.

As the g-n-cide continues in Gaza, the US descends deeper into fascism and the brave souls on the Flotilla, putting themselves at risk and taking a stand because the governments won’t, are getting unlawfully stopped in international waters, as I type, Chaplin’s monologue feels just as relevant as it was in 1940. It’s all so horrifying.

In the words of Mr C, “Let us fight to free the world - to do away with national barriers - to do away with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s [and, this does need updating, women’s and LGBTQUIA+’s] happiness.” Check out the full speech, it’s actually pretty amazing (and just swap “radio” and “aeroplanes” for “AI” and “internet” and it makes even more sense today.

Thanks for stopping by.

#inktober #inktober2025 #inktober52 #penandink #charliechaplin #flotilla #freepalesti̇ne #freepalestine🇵🇸 #thelastdictator #film #charliechaplin🎥 #charliechaplin🎩 #charliechaplinquote #illustratorforhire #illustrator #illustration #inktober2025mustache #inktoberday1

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Editorial Illustration Case Study: Conceptual Artwork for New Scientist Magazine

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