Bio
Deciding to go to University, as a mature student, came from a genuine desire to explore the subjects I loved. As a result, I have had four gap years!
Although this is slightly unorthodox, I believe they were the best decisions I ever made.
In this time I worked alongside children, as a teaching assistant, and really enjoyed this career path. I hope my creative work will positively impact upon a younger generation, through creative workshops or a children’s book I am in the process of writing and illustrating.
The main joy of those four years was travelling. I visited so many beautiful countries, exploring a wide range of cultures. These experiences are a massive influence on my current creative practice. I often write travel memoir, with my own stories infiltrating into my work, and draw and illustrate my favourite spots from around the world.
My love of photography documented my travels. This was a personal project and one I loved.
Education
I am on track for a first class degree at the University of Worcester studying a joint honours in Illustration and Creative and Professional Writing.
Following graduation I am pursuing social media marketing and writing freelance for independent businesses. I feel the pandemic has really highlighted the importance of shopping small and I want my career to reflect this, supporting local businesses.
My Business
During the Covid-19 pandemic, I set up a small business called Ella Ruth. This began with my taking on commissioned paintings for friends and family, as a way to fill the endless days of lockdown.
This steadily developed alongside my Instagram following, growing from fifty people to over a thousand in a few months.
My biggest achievement has been selling internationally, with my work travelling to the USA, Australia and to Canada.
This painting is of Krka National Park, Croatia. The piece was my first large scale commission.
Ella Ruth 