Blog by London Artist & Fashion Illustrator Elyse Blackshaw
As a fashion illustrator who creates vibrant and playful aesthetics, I specialise in creating hand-drawn retail artwork that transforms urban environments and retail spaces into captivating visual experiences. From shopping centres like Westfield London to independent boutiques and in-store art installations, my approach combines traditional drawing techniques with modern digital processes to bring life and colour to spaces.
How I Create Hand-Drawn Retail Artwork
My artistic process begins with traditional fashion illustration techniques. Using bold lines, dynamic forms, and vivid colours, I develop artwork that captures attention and energises any space. Once the design is complete, I take it a step further by digitising the artwork. This allows me to refine the composition, ensuring it's perfectly suited for large-scale displays such as retail hoardings, shop windows, or entire walls.
For graphic hoardings and urban murals, the artwork is digitally printed onto vinyl, allowing for easy application to surfaces. This method is particularly useful in retail environments, where large graphic installations can make a powerful visual impact while promoting brands or engaging shoppers. Whether it's creating striking retail hoarding graphics during a store renovation or designing an art installation for a shopping centre, my goal is to deliver eye-catching art that resonates with both businesses and their customers.
Hand-Painted Retail Windows: Bringing Stores to Life
One of my favorite ways to work is through hand-drawn or painted retail windows. There’s something magical about seeing a storefront come to life through intricate line work, playful designs, and vibrant pops of colour. I create unique, seasonal, or brand-specific designs for retail windows, which help businesses stand out in busy shopping areas and engage with their audience at street level.
Community Art Installations: Engaging Local Audiences
In addition to working on retail projects, I have a deep passion for community and social engagement through art. The same artistic techniques I use for commercial spaces—hand-drawn illustrations, digitisation, and large-scale printing—are also perfect for community murals and public art installations.
I’ve had the privilege of working on projects with Banbury BID and Wandsworth Council, where I led community workshops to teach local residents how to draw and create their own art. The artwork we create together is then digitised and composed to form large-scale community murals, adding a personal and collaborative touch to public spaces.
Why Choose Hand-Drawn Art for Retail and Urban Spaces?
Hand-drawn artwork offers a personal, human touch that resonates deeply with audiences. Whether it’s a shopper passing by a store window or a community member participating in a public mural project, hand-drawn illustrations create a connection that digital graphics alone can’t achieve. Plus, when these hand-drawn designs are digitally printed onto vinyl for large-scale applications like retail hoardings, they retain their unique aesthetic while ensuring durability and more precise installation.
Creating Vibrant Art for Your Space
If you’re looking to transform your retail environment, urban space, or even engage your local community through art, I would love to collaborate with you. Whether it’s a fashion-forward retail installation or an interactive community mural, my vibrant and playful approach can bring your vision to life.
I’ve worked with clients such as Westfield London, CASS ART, Banbury BID, and Wandsworth Council, creating everything from graphic hoardings to hand-drawn retail windows. Every project is tailored to reflect the client’s unique aesthetic and goals, ensuring the artwork not only enhances the space but also tells a story.
Get in Touch for Custom Retail Artwork or Community Art Projects
If you’re interested in learning more about how I can create custom retail hoardings, storefront art, or community murals for your project, contact me at info@elyseblackshaw.com . Let's work together to create a vibrant and engaging space that stands out!
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