Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ellen Surrey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ellen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I feel like I’ve always known. My father has been an animator for most of my life and growing up, he taught me a lot about drawing. At first I thought I wanted to be an animator just like him, until I took an animation class and realized it wasn’t for me. I really enjoyed the process of seeing something from sketch to final and with animation being a collaborative process, you aren’t able to work on every step. When I was in high school I discovered illustration and was immediately hooked. I then went on to major in Illustration at Art Center College of Design and have been working as an illustrator ever since.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name is Ellen Surrey and I’m an illustrator/designer working out of sunny Los Angeles, CA. I grew up in Los Angeles and draw a lot of inspiration from the city’s history as well as Mid-Century design. I’m also a big fan of children’s books from the 50s and 60s and my work is often inspired by them. My illustrations have been described as playful, colorful and nostalgic.

While I work on a variety of projects, these days I’m mostly illustrating children’s books. My newest book, ‘This Book Will Make You An Artist,’ comes out February 6, 2024 and showcases the works of 25 artists as well as children friendly activities. I’ve also worked with clients, such as, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, Sunkist, Airbnb, Papyrus and most recently the USPS! My USPS postage stamp, ‘Thinking of You,’ came out this past August.

When I’m not working on my own projects, I collaborate with illustration collective Clover Scout. Clover Scout began in 2016 and consists of myself and illustrator friends Patrick Hruby and Loris Lora. The three of us collaborate on client projects as well as products we sell at events and eventually online, the shop is a work in progress. We like to think of ourselves as a continuation of what some of our favorite Mid-Century designers started, by creating playful and colorful objects for all to enjoy.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

From a young age, I took the career goal of being an artist very seriously. I knew I had to make the thing I love to do, making art, a career. It was always plan A and I’ve never had a back up plan. I had to make being an artist work.

For me, making art is like a compulsion. I have to do it. Even if I had an average job, I would still find a way to make art. So I’ve done everything I can to make that happen. Even when going through a rough patch, something that every freelance artist goes though, I’ve found ways to still make art.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

About a year before the pandemic, I was going through a rough patch. I was struggling to get work and it seemed like no matter what I tried, nothing was working. By this point, I had been working fairly consistently for about 5 years. I ultimately decided to take on a part time retail job to bring in some consistent money. While working my retail job, I continued to hustle, taking whatever I could get. Nothing was going to keep me from being an artist.

While working that job, I started work on the USPS postage stamp that came out 4 years later. I also signed a contract to work on my first children’s book with a major publisher. And because of the work I was starting to get as well as the pandemic, I was able to quit my retail job.

The whole experience taught me that no matter what is thrown my way, I can still make things work. There is nothing to be ashamed of by admitting that you might need help. And if that means taking a job you don’t like to keep the dream going, you do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellensurrey.com/
• Instagram: @yesurrey
• Twitter: @yesurrey
• Threads: @yesurrey

Image Credits
Surrey_1.jpg – Jessica Watkins