Nat Ellis is a French-English illustrator based in England whose love for cats shines brightly through her work. Known for her clean, modern style, Nat uses bold colors and simple shapes to capture the charm of cats’ personalities in a way that’s equal parts humorous and heartwarming.
We sat down with Nat to discuss her journey as an illustrator, her deep connection with cats, and her advice for aspiring artists. Dive into her story, enjoy her delightful illustrations, and snag a special discount on her creations!
From Childhood Art Shows to University
How did you get started as an illustrator?
“I always dreamed of being an artist. I spent my childhood drawing, painting, and making works of art that I curated into mini-art shows for my family. While I knew I wanted to make things, I didn’t really know how to turn my love of art into a career. This was until I had my son in 2008. The cute and colorful patterns on his clothes and the beautiful illustrations in his picture books inspired me. In 2016, I returned to university to study illustration, graduating in 2019.”
Cats play a big part in your art. Tell us about your relationship with them.
“Since I can remember, I have always loved cats and went out of my way to be around them (I still do). I got my first cat when I was 14, something I had been begging my parents for since I was a young child. Her name was Minette, and she was a beautiful (and sassy) black rescue cat. She was the most adored creature, and she knew it! Minette came into my life at a difficult stage of my life; my parents’ relationship was breaking down and I was suffering from a long-term illness (which I still suffer from). Minette was my rock throughout this; her playful outbursts cheered me up and she was always by my side.”
“When I had my son, I knew I wanted him to experience the amazing relationship you can have with a cat. We got Sky, another black rescue cat, who my son adores.”
Where does your special interest in cats come from?
“I have always preferred drawing animals rather than people or still life. Throughout my degree, I created illustrations of hundreds of different animals (I still draw a huge variety of creatures, especially in my freelance work and even the odd human). But cats will always be my favorite to create. They are of course very cute; but they are also funny, loyal, and fiercely independent (even if they can barely look after themselves). I have learned so much as a human from cats too; even if they love us, they don’t feel the pressure to change themselves to make others happy and they are amazing at self-care.”
How did you start sharing your illustrations online?
“I started sharing my illustrations on Instagram and have been so amazed by the response. Not only do I feel like I am part of a lovely, cat-loving community, but I have been able to set up my little business, selling my artwork worldwide to both independent customers and stockists.”
Advice for Aspiring Illustrators
What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?
“My advice to aspiring illustrators is to never give up on your dreams. If you love drawing, keep practicing and never stop learning. There are so many resources available online and in libraries, so take advantage of them. And don’t be afraid to share your work with the world. The Internet is an excellent way to connect with other artists and potential clients.”
And last but not least – Do you love what you do?
“I feel very lucky and thankful to do what I do. I love waking up every day knowing I get to create illustrations that will hopefully make someone smile.”
Explore More of Nat’s Work
To see more of Nat’s illustrations or to bring some of her cat-inspired art into your own space, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
