Squirrel and I
Loves squirrels and trees
Meet Sherrelle Nelson
Hello! I’m Sherrelle (or Elle for short), a London-based freelance illustrator creating story-led artwork inspired by everyday moments, imagination and colour.
I love bringing characters to life through expressive gestures, colour, and atmosphere. Whether I’m illustrating curious woodland animals or quiet moments of reflection, my aim is to create artwork that sparks imagination and tells stories that resonate with children and families.
Working across both digital and traditional media, I combine painterly textures with expressive colour and light to create illustrations that feel warm, joyful and full of personality. My creative process draws on observation, photographic reference, and imagination to build engaging visuals narratives.
After developing long-term health conditions, I taught myself digital illustration in 2020, expanding my traditional art practice into digital media. I later refined my skills through training at Ode2Art Academy where I continued developing a painterly approach that combines observation, photographic reference and imagination.
I am inspired by artists such as Van Gogh, J.M.W Turner, John Singer Sargent, whose expressive use of colour, light and brushwork continues to influence my work.
When I’m not illustrating, you’ll usually find me writing children stories, storyboarding new ideas, experimenting with traditional and digital techniques or exploring creative craft projects. My goal is to create illustrations that invite curosity, celebrate everyday moments and leave viewers with a sense of warmth and wonder.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my work.
Follow my creative journey: Instagram: @ellesartsandcrafts.