Marianna Madriz is ...
A freelance illustrator originally from Venezuela, now living and working in London, UK.
For the past decade I have collaborated with a variety of institutions, magazines and publishers, most notably illustrating a range of educational children’s books. My last published work to date, Microbe Wars (written by Gill Arbuthnott), was shortlisted for the Royal Society's Young People's Book Prize in 2022.
That same year I decided to take a break from commissions to focus on my personal practice. During this period I moved studios, embarked on my first artist residency, took part in an intensive course at The Royal Drawing School and fell back in love with watercolours and colour pencils. I am now starting a new chapter with a new body of work I am proud to call my own.
My work is ...
Fuelled by my love for literature, as well as my personal observations about the world and our place in it.
'Place' is especially key to me. As someone who's had to move and live in two very different countries, I often grapple with the idea of leaving, finding or feeling at 'home'. These meditations tend to subconsciously sneak their way into my drawings and loosely underpin them, adding to their sense of atmosphere.
Mixing soft and bold textures, I strive to illustrate narratives imbued with quiet power.
Selected Clients
Hachette | Laurence King Publishing | Templar Books | Auzou | AQUILA Magazine | Skillshare | Cog Design | Crafts Council | Association of Illustrators | Marin Magazine | Piero Publishing | Bulletin | Love Camden
Teaching
- Arts University Bournemouth (BA & MA Illustration) as External Contributor, delivering professional practice lectures and Portfolio Reviews.
- UCA Farnham (BA Animation) as Associate Lecturer, leading observational and life drawing sessions.
Previous talks and workshops: Wallace Collection, MK Gallery, South Essex College, Birmingham City University, House of Illustration.
