About
Artist, Illustrator & Designer
Creating feminine, whimsical, hand-drawn illustrations for editorial, business and other lovely client commissions. I offer prints and products in my shop and share behind the scenes on my blog and in my newsletter.
Working primarily in graphite with pops of colour and fun. I have also begun working in oil paints too. My work is inspired and influenced by fashion, beauty, self expression, sub culture, feminism, animals, magazine editorials and design.
The creative process has always been mesmerising to me, that moment when some pencil marks start to form a face, some brush strokes create that magical depth or the design concept comes together.
My first commission came at a young age when a teacher asked me to draw a card and paid me the grand sum of £1. And maybe subconsciously that sparked an entrepreneurial spirit when it came to my creativity!
Since studying graphic design (‘Image Rich’ pathway) I have been working in the creative industry professionally as designer since graduating in 2010. But the call towards art and illustration has always been there too.
From being a young, shy child to now a sometimes still shy adult, creativity for me is: self expression, connection and communication.
Style & Themes
Within my Illustration Work
I typically work digitally now drawing in Procreate on my iPad which allows more flexibility for illustrative work. I like to explore subjects that appeal to me such as nature, animals, hobbies and interests. And whilst I draw on the iPad I still find myself drawn to the traditional media brushes and drawing in a realistic style.
My illustration style is hand-drawn portraying the subject in a sensitive way. I create detailed illustrations working primarily in grey adding pops of colour to areas of emphasis.
Within my Fine Art Work
Like many artists before me, the female figure and portrait as well as nature are my muses. I explore the relationship between people and nature within my work, posing a romanticised view of a harmonious relationship. What initially started as a small series I called Human / Nature has become a core theme within my work.
It’s a subtle way to depict these themes, in a world where there is a climate crisis, a lot of negativity and unpleasant things – call me sensitive (many have) but I’d rather highlight the beauty.
Working Together
I'm open to opportunities from private to commercial commissions, licensing and wholesale. I'd love to hear from you if you have something in mind!
I comfortably work digitally to ensure flexibility throughout the project allowing easy amendments to the illustration.
My professional background is in graphic design so I have a keen understanding of supplying high-quality artwork ready for it’s intended use. If you need design services or creative direction I am an experienced designer with sixteen years industry experiencing both in-house, freelance and in agency environments.
AVAILABLE FOR…
Editorial / Packaging / Product Licensing / Publications / Original Illustrations for Brands / Private Commissions / Corporate Portraits / Other Projects
Interested in stocking Kirsty McGill illustration products?
I’d be thrilled to hear about opportunities to be stocked. Please get in touch via my contact page.
- Professionally designed packaging.
- Open to different options and arrangements
- Photography supplied if required
Working with Kirsty has been great. She understood what I wanted from the beginning and the illustration that was delivered was better than I had imagined.
The level of communication was just right to give an insight into Kirsty’s process and the direction she was taking. Every step from brief to deposit, to delivery and payment was professional and stress free.
It’s amazing working with someone who not only takes the brief on board to deliver what has been asked for but who is happy to discuss ideas so that what is delivered works perfectly.”
– Charli, Founder & CEO Live Differently
