Artist & illustrator inspired by the dark and wild.

Contact me!

Whether you have a project in mind, a collaboration idea, or a question about my work, feel free to fill out the form below or send me an email directly. While I am primarily interested in illustrative projects, I'm always open to new challenges, so don't be afraid to ask!

[email protected]

About Me

Artist & illustrator inspired by the dark and wild.@gwenypatu

Hi! I'm Ysabel (often shortened to Belle or Gwen), an illustrator currently based in the UK.My main focus lies within illustrations with gothic nature, folkloric and mythological themes. As an avid bookworm, movie and video game enthusiast, I have a deep passion for visual storytelling. Some of my favourite movie directors include Guillermo Del Toro and Robert Eggers, who are often sources of inspiration for me.Alongside my illustration studies I have a background in Animal Management, which forms the basis of a lot of my artistic practice and research. I enjoy exploring the intricacies of human nature, dreams, emotions and a deep-rooted connection to the natural world. You may often find strange or surreal elements in my work, influenced by my love for the beautiful and unsettling.[email protected]

Education
BA (Hons) Illustration - Solent University
Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management (Zoo Pathway) - Sparsholt College

Projects
You can find some of my work featured in the game 'Faith in Despair', a dark fantasy deckbuilder created by Philipp Lehner.

Below you can preview some work I have created for specific projects, projects I am currently working on, and a little information about what these projects are.

Familiars of the Witch

My latest personal project is a continuation of my FMP from University - a book focused on introducing and exploring a handful of animals you commonly see in European Folklore, particularly those associated with witches and witchcraft. The book currently features 9 different animals, though my intention is to expand this - below are a few previews of some of the critters featured within.

Candle Concepts

I created these candle designs during my time at University, with the brief involving the creation of packaging for a set of 3 items. I wanted to create a set of witchy, nature inspired candles, with the intention of designing a product for people who want to escape the busyness of every day life, losing yourself for a moment in the scents of a magical forest. They are intended to be distinctly unique scents, but still fit together as a collection, representing different aspects of the same element. The product itself (from the boxes, to the candle wax) is made with eco-friendly, recyclable materials to encourage sustainability and protecting the environment.

The Hare Box

During my time at University, I spent a lot of time researching folklore, particularly that surrounding the hare. To channel my learning into a physical object was an equally challenging and satisfying project. Inspired by folk art of the past, I found an old wooden box and repurposed it, as a representation of the hare's frequent association with rebirth. I painted each side with various nods to the hare's vast symbolism, from new life to prophetic visions. A set of three spoons were created during the experimentation phase for this project, but I felt that they were as much a part of it as the final result.