I am back!

 After 10 days off - I have returned to the studio.

As many of my fellow illustrators will tell you, working as a freelancer can mean you leading a very isolated life at times. The hours spent in the studio working to deadlines, alone, day-by-day, (with only a pencil as a friend), means feeling quite lonely most of the time.

So, from having a ridiculously busy Christmas period, with my illustration work, as well as my part-time job, (and a poorly hand), it deemed necessary to plan a break for January.. and so I did.

First things first- to turn off all incoming emails and all social media notifications to my iPhone! (I was reluctant at first, but it had to be done to fulfill complete tranquility).

I then began my week by spending the first few days with my best pals, having laughs, in a hot tub, in the middle of nowhere, with lots of food and lots of drink. AMAZING. After returning, I spent the rest of my week taking it easy... spending more time with friends, family and my baby nephew. It was just what I needed, and I feel so much better for it.

I'm now back at my desk with a fresh head, full of ideas and lots of plans that I wish to accomplish this year!

Thank you to my friend Megan Kelly for these photographs. x

Product photography day.

After the snow had stopped this morning, the sunshine broke out, and the light filled up my studio! It is very rare that I get any natural light into my studio, so I took upon this rare opportunity to take some product shots of some new items to be added to my Etsy shop.

These handmade necklaces holds one of small pencil illustrations and are part of my 'Woodland Walk' collection that I launched back in November. (I have more products in my Etsy shop adorned with the same illustrations).

Did you know? ...

DID YOU KNOW? .. My collar clip illustrations are coated with a gloss sealer 3 times before gluing to a glass cabochon topper. Once dried, they are glued into position in blank pendant trays and attached with a small chain, cut suitably to size. Finally, each one is carefully checked over, making sure they of top notch quality and ready for packing to you in my handmade packaging! (All for only £10 each!)

These are available to buy at my online shop www.rebeccaabell.etsy.com

My 2012

I am so pleased with my first year as a freelance illustrator and I couldn't be more happy about what I have achieved. I am humbled to have had so much support from not only friends and family, but from the people who have followed me through my social networks and given me some really supportive comments and feedback.

Here is a little reflection in pictures...

1. Graduation at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham  2. The Enquiry Desk: In Session, presentation at Pick Me Up Arts fair, Somerset House, London  3. Window display backdrops at Browns Fashion, London  4. Secret 7" Project exhibition at The Idea Generation Gallery, London

5. Signed Florence & The Machine vinyl from the Secret 7" project competition  6. I discovered and took a class at COW Studio in Birmingham's Jewellery quarter  7. First book cover illustration for The Gentlemen Press  8. Selected for 'British Culture' exhibition at John Lewis, London Oxford Street store

9. Hero of Switzerland group exhibition at The Lomography Gallery, East London  10. My precious little nephew was brought into the world September 18  11. 'Ghost Bike' illustration selected for new talent category in Images 36: Best of British Illustration  12. Illustrations featured in 1000 Portrait illustrations publication

13. Started a new venture by adorning handmade products with my illustrations 14. Sold my new handmade products at Christmas craft fairs 15. Made more products for Christmas 16. Had the best New Years Eve with some of my favourite people

Wishing you all a very happy 2013! x

Merry Christmas from Rebecca

I've finished my last commission of 2012 and my pencils have finally been put down!

Here is Baylea-Mae who has kept me very busy over the past week...

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas pencil fans! Thank you for your support and for giving me an amazing 2012! xx

BRAND NEW! - Collar Clips

You can now wear my art on your collar! Simply clip each pendant to your collar tip and voila .. beautiful!

I have also released some new keyring pendants in antique silver. These new pendants have a little pine cone charm too! (I love these)

I will be at Lichfield Guildhall, Staffordshire, tomorrow from 10am - 4pm. Come and say hello and buy your last minute stocking filler treats :)

// FEATURED IN // 1000 Portrait Illustrations

My work has been featured in this wonderful publication, 1000 Portrait Illustrations, and I have finally managed to get myself a copy to show you all.

Last year, shortly after leaving University, I was approached by the author to be featured in the 'realistic' section of the book. I was amazed that my work had been recognised and considered to feature alongside some truly amazing illustrators, most of whom had inspired my work throughout my time at University.

It is a fantastic feeling to see my work published,  although it is also quite strange seeing my University work there... My whole way of working has changed so much since then!

Anyway here's a peek if you can't get to Waterstones!

The book is divided into two sections- realistic and experimental portraiture work and displays a range of different styles. It's the perfect resource book for anyone interested in portraits.