Susan Hellard

Susan Hellard

Susan Hellard's illustrious career as an illustrator includes a long list of wonderful books for children. She lives in North London where she loves spending time walking her mischievous dachshund and is a keen swimmer in the ladies pond at Highgate.

Sue's studio walls are covered in pages from fashion magazines to samples of unusual fabrics. She’s had a long-standing fascination with fashion illustration since her teens, particularly Rene Gruau’s work for his dramatic use of colour. She’s also inspired by the French Rococo style, such as the work of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s because of the froth, frocks and playfulness. Just “watching people” inspires Sue and she records her observations in a sketchbook, which go onto influence her characterisations of people, often with a humorous edge.

As a result of her versatility her subjects have spanned; Grumpy Old Women, bored courtly princesses, funny cookbooks for children and babies, and fashion-conscious teenage girls. Her black and white illustrations adorn a long list of Pam Ayres’ poetry books and she contributes beautifully observed drawings of Mindy Hammond’s family in a weekly column in the Sunday Express magazine. Susan’s distinctive, fun and energetic drawing style along with her keen observational skills is a perfect combination for any project needing characterful content.