‘Art is essential to help us understand and see the world differently. As a freelance illustrator, artist,
and educator in the cultural and heritage sector, I use art to tell stories and bring joy to the world.’
Illustrator, Jessica Hartshorn is based in Rugby Warwickshire and creates a range of vibrantly and
colourful artworks bringing heritage to life.
After gaining her degree in Visual Communication, Illustration at Loughborough University in 2001,
she worked as a freelance illustrator for 1 year before changing direction, developing a career in the
museums and gallery education sector for over a decade. Returning to illustration in 2018, Jessica
has completed a range of murals for schools and organisations, six illustrated children’s books and
runs workshops, however she has predominately carved out a niche specialising in illustrations for
museums and galleries. Using her background in the heritage sector she now creates artwork and
content for family trails, maps, interpretation and education resources all over the UK. Now working
as a freelance illustrator, artist and community practitioner predominantly in the cultural and
heritage sector. With over 20 years’ experience advocating for arts education and 5 years working as
a freelance illustrator, she particularly focus on working with schools and community groups, and
adults living with dementia. Jessica’s practice is divided between illustration commissions and art
education delivery and projects, focusing on core drawing, painting skills and crafts, developing
these into something more playful, focusing on narrative and exploration. ‘ I’m really passionate
about innovative ways of working to encourage people to explore creativity in differently.’
Through a fun and colourful flavour, Jessica’s Illustrations focus very much on a playful style and
which is incorporated into the story telling of her illustrations. Using a mixture of acrylic, paint pens,
work is sketched, and then painted using layers of colour and finally adding detail