Photo: Heather Houde
Bio + Artist Statement
As an illustrator, designer, and artist, I learn through creating. I delight specifically in the botanical expanse–flowers, trees, and their pollinators. From new scientific findings to historical ethnobotany to my own research in the field, I’m in awe of our natural world, and dedicated to helping others appreciate it.
Training in traditional illustration, science illustration, and the lettering arts (type, lettering, and calligraphy) provides me with favorable tools to share this passion with others. Dancing between these disciplines, I help my clients communicate information that educates. It is my goal to craft images that impart scientific knowledge in a compelling way. It is important to me to portray this information in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. I hope to deepen the viewer’s interest in the subject matter.
A New Jersey farm kid, rogue botanist, type nerd and recovering tumbleweed, I have learned much from friends and colleagues who have generously given me a chance and taken me under their wing. I am grateful to hold degrees from MICA, Type@Cooper, and the Science Illustration Certificate Program at CSUMB, along with an internship at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Department of Botany.
I live in stunning Monterey, CA where I, among other things, teach nature journaling aboard the historic Western Flyer and brake for wildflowers in my little red pickup.
Clients of Note
CalTech, Chronicle Books, Facebook HQ, Williams-Sonoma, Ten Speed Press, Lululemon Athletica, Design*Sponge, Good Company Magazine, The Body Shop, ALDO, BBC Good Food Magazine, Abbott Nutrition, Artisan Books, University of California Santa Cruz
Features + Interviews
Industry Recognition
• Communication Arts Typography Annual 2017 & 2013
• Print Regional Design Annual 2008 & 2006
• Applied Arts Design Awards 2010
• Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Awards 2010
COLOPHON
This site was created using the Squarespace theme Avenue. The Ellis nameplate is hand lettered by me.
Bio portrait by Heather Houde, shot at the old Ellis Farmhouse in Mercer County, New Jersey.
The typeface used throughout this site is Maiola by Veronika Burian and José Scaglione at TypeTogether.
Many of the documentation photographs on this site appear with credit; those without are taken by me