Out of the Blue 2025

“I had so much fun researching Queen Elizabeth I and the history behind her many portraits for this piece, from the use of face patterns to replicate her image to the strategy behind her larger than life appearance and the special meanings behind each included element. I tried to incorporate as much as I could into this portrait and I hope that she would approve! My interest in history and historical fashion combined with my love of drawing people is something that I would absolutely love to explore further in future projects.”

M E G H A N N R A D E R

“Growing up, my dad passed on his love for the sea and that sense of wonder has stayed with me ever since. ‘Into the Blue’ is a children’s non-fiction book idea I’m currently working on, featuring curious creatures, hidden habitats, and the quiet magic of life beneath the waves. I’m aiming to balance factual detail with a sense of gentle discovery... inviting young readers to look a little closer at the extraordinary world that lives just below the surface.

”It’s a project that means a lot to me, both personally and creatively.”

K A T H E R I N E Q U I N N

“I chose to focus on the imagery of the Green Man in folklore, drawing on inspiration from historical carvings as well as literary versions. I enjoyed exploring the roots of the motif with shadowy backgrounds as well as playing with symmetry and the structure of the faces. I chose plants that have strong folkloric ties to deepen the meaning in the pieces.”

A N N A S T E A D

“I have been wanting to illustrate a series of birth flowers for some time and recently when I found out that there were birth birds too, as an avid drawer of our avian friends, the idea of combining them felt like a match made in heaven to me. Some of the monthly combinations are unusual and not what I would usually put together, but the challenge of working them into pieces that celebrate both the flowers and the birds within the month that they represent is one that I am thoroughly enjoying!"

L E E F O S T E R - W I L S O N

Sketches

Keep scrolling to see all work in our Passion Pitch collection

“‘Walnuts for Brains’ is my first foray into the world of children’s books. The idea came from how certain food resembles the body part it benefits. I love how nature provides visual clues. Explaining how food makes children ‘strong’ and ‘fast’ seems to be the key in piping their interest in trying new food. Carrots make you see in the dark (good for your eyes), walnuts make you clever (good for your brain), celery helps you run fast (good for your bones), etc. Being specific about the benefits encourages a far more heightened interest than a general ‘it’s good for you.’ I also learned some things along the way!”

Abby Jacobs
Colorado, USA

Passion Pitch 2025 - Timeless Threads - A Journey Through Women’s Fashion

“Timeless Threads is a pop-up book that serves as a creative journey through women’s fashion with attention paid to the artistry and stories woven into women’s clothing throughout history. This book brings the past to life in a tactile, engaging way, inviting readers to experience the textures and silhouettes of each era. This project reflects my deep passion for details and fashion through illustration and design. Creating these pieces has allowed me to reconnect with the beauty of the craftsmanship involved in these intricate designs through the years. I think the pop-up book format invites a youthful aspect appealing to all ages and can engage a younger audience while developing an appreciation of history.”

A B B Y J A C O B S

Jenny Zemanek
Ohio, USA

Passion Pitch 2025 - Edgar Allen Poe

“One of my dream projects is to illustrate a book consisting of a collection of stories, whether it be Poe, Fairy tales, Mythology, Shakespeare, Austen or any number of other options! I chose Poe for this Passion Pitch to explore something a bit darker while still staying true to my love of decorative details, flourishes and hand drawn lettering. The graphic designer in me has always obsessed over elaborate drop caps, so for the interior spread layout I wanted to include a wrought iron-inspired “T” to accompany the main title illustration. I also adore when books have small illustrations for the page numbers, so a skull marks what would be the section for The Masque of the Red Death.”

J E N N Y Z E M A N E K

Catherine Rowe
Dorset, UK

Passion Pitch 2025 - Charleston

“My Passion Pitch pattern ‘Charleston’ is an homage to Charleston House in Lewes, home to artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in the early 1900s and it became the gathering place for the Bloomsbury Group of artists and creatives. It is one of my most favourite places – the decor is so beautiful and exquisite, including gorgeous murals, ceramics and stunning gardens.”

C A T H E R I N E R O W E

Keep scrolling to see all work in our Passion Pitch collection

Caroline Bonne Müller
Netherlands

Passion Pitch 2025 - Delft Blue

“As a Dutch Artist this series is done because of my love of flowers and Delft Blue porcelain.”

C A R O L I N E B O N N E M Ü L L E R

“I’ve always dreamed of designing bespoke book covers using original linocut prints. For my Passion Pitch, I explored this by creating mockups with a limited colour palette to highlight the texture of the cutwork. One concept was a cookery book series combining gardening and cooking—two of my passions. The books would offer planting advice alongside seasonal recipes, creating a practical and beautiful guide for home growers. I also experimented with layout and typography, which brought a new dimension to the work. This project has sparked fresh ideas for future designs and deepened my interest in handcrafted cover ideas for publishing.”

K A T E H E I S S

Creative. Unexpected. Out of the Blue.

J E H A N E L T D