Client's Stories: An Interview with Nat Ellis Illustration
- Amy
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
My Client Stories blog is a regular ongoing series on sharing my talented photography client’s stories online. I have a regular chat with my loveliest clients and feature their business story along with the photos from our shoot together.
This Client Story features Nat Ellis Illustration who I’ve worked with for multiple product photoshoots of her cat inspired products. Together we’ve built a collection of product imagery to showcase her products for her online shop and social media. I’ve had a lovely chat with Nat, and asked her to share a little bit more about how she became an illustrator and why she loves her work!
Nat, when & why did you decide to start your business?
I started my business under a different name when I was studying illustration at university back in 2017. One of my modules was business based, and I took the opportunity to curate a small collection of cards and screen prints, selling them at a local art market and on Etsy. I ran it as a small side hustle for a few years before taking the plunge in 2022 to go fully freelance.
What's your favourite thing about what you do & why?
My absolute favourite activity is drawing; it just makes me feel so happy and balanced. I can leave all my worries behind and just concentrate on the little characters I am creating on my page or screen. I always feel so lucky that I get to spend so much time drawing and try to make time for it every day, even if it is for only 10 minutes.
Tell us more about what you sell & your beautiful artwork
A lot of my art is based upon the wonderful world of cats. Cats are such inspiring creatures; while they like human companionship, they do not seek any validation from us and are dedicated to selfcare. Cat can also be very funny too! I think there is so much we can learn from these wonderful little creatures.
I sell a range of products including calendars, decorations, greetings cards, prints, stickers, tea towels and pin badges, all featuring my little cat illustrations. My aim is to create colourful and quality products that are ethical and are produced as locally as possible.
Do you have a favourite print you've created or 'Nat Ellis Illustration' design?
Ohh this is such a hard question. I have a few favourites:
La Boulangerie- an illustration that depicts cats sitting in curled-up loaf positions in the window of a bakery.
Sleepy Sunday- a riso* print of of cats sleeping in a lounge setting
Spooky Stories- a riso* print of of a little cat reading a scary story about an empty food bowl.
*Riso printing is one of my favourite printing processes. It is a technique whereby each colour is printed separately with a stencil. Colours can overlap and the end result is very tactile with a handmade aesthetic.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give other artists?
Give yourself time to play. Some of my favourite work comes from experimentation and playing; it is so much fun.
Social media is a tool, but it can also fuel imposter syndrome. I have removed social media from my phone, so I only use it on my iPad or computer when I am at my desk working. I also schedule social media time so that I use it in a productive way while also looking after my mental health.
What's been a highlight in your business journey so far?
I have so many highlights and generally feel so lucky. I feel so proud to have my products stocked in so many wonderful independent shops and that people choose to buy from me. In the past year, I have also illustrated two books which has always been a huge goal.
What does the next year hold for you?
OAlongside growing my business, I am currently writing and illustrating my first picture book. It is a passion project and something that I have put off for years, but I am so excited about it.
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