As a mixed media freelance illustrator and printmaker, offering a wide range of commissionable design and illustration services.
 

Freelance Illustrator and Printmaker: A Journey of Art, Resilience, and Ink.

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Discovering the Path: From the Coastline to Creative Calling

Growing up by the sea was more than just a setting — it was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with nature, observation, and creativity. My early years were spent along the coastline of East Anglia, and later in Falmouth and Portreath in Cornwall. The sea was a constant presence. I found joy in swimming, exploring rock-pools, and simply being outdoors. That close connection to the natural world shaped my visual language — one that would later find its way into ink, linocuts, and RISO prints.

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Before art took centre stage, the ocean played another unexpected role. I used the sea and the sand as my training ground before joining the Royal Marines.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you consider it), my career ended in basic training, where I tore a knee ligament — an injury most likely caused by my then-undiagnosed Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). That brought that chapter to a close before it truly began, and with it came a wave of uncertainty. I had no clear direction and took up a string of jobs — from menswear retail to car hire — simply to pay the bills.

But what felt like detours were in fact building blocks. They led me to work with young people, particularly those with special educational needs (SEN), in an outdoor adventure setting. That’s where I first truly understood the power of experience, resilience, and connection — themes that remain embedded in my work today.

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From Royal Marines to Risograph: An Unexpected Journey into Art

Before diving back into the creative world, I became an outdoor instructor, certified in white water rafting (my first qualification after a trip to Turkey), kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling, and bushcraft. I ran sessions for young people, many of whom had never had a chance to experience anything like it before. The work was fulfilling — but once I became a father, the long commutes and unpredictable hours meant that I needed a change of career.

I transitioned into a high school setting as an inclusion support coordinator, working again with SEN and neurodivergent students. I ran my own outdoor alternative curriculum, as well as supporting students in the classroom, and helping them through the daily minefield of mainstream high school.

But deep down, the urge to draw — the spark that had lit up my childhood sketchbooks — had never disappeared.

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Retraining for a Creative Career: From College to First Class Degree

In 2016, I decided it was time to return to what I loved. I applied for the Art & Design Diploma at Calderdale College — and passed with Distinction. Encouraged by my tutors, I applied for university and chose Huddersfield, where I completed a BA in Illustration.

Completing my degree during the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, of course — restrictions, remote learning, and uncertainty — but it also taught me discipline, problem-solving, and independence. Despite the chaos, I graduated with First Class Honours.

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That was the beginning of my professional life as a freelance illustrator and printmaker.

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Launching a Freelance Career in Illustration and Printmaking

Since graduating, I’ve taken on a wide range of projects and commissions. Some highlights include:

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• Creating watercolour visuals for S4ND.org

• Designing infographics and promotional posters for the Blue Cross animal charity’s “Paws for Tea” campaign

• Working with Bob & Berts coffee shops, painting festive windows in all 7 of their England-based branches annually for three years using acrylic pens

From social media content to large-scale public-facing artworks, I’ve developed a reputation for being approachable, creative, and versatile — a combination that clients appreciate.

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My work is available for purchase through my online shop, including gallery-quality prints, canvasses, and a growing range of illustrated merchandise.

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Developing a Unique Mixed-Media Style

I describe myself as a mixed-media illustrator and printmaker because I genuinely love experimenting with styles, formats, and materials.

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• RISO Printing: A love that began at university. I was fortunate to receive a grant from the mental health charity SANE, which I used to purchase a second-hand Risograph machine that still hums away in my studio today.

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• Linocut Prints: I create linocuts inspired by nature, but I’ve also explored historical themes — one of my favourites was a WWII film poster for an indie production company.

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• Alcohol Ink Painting: Not just pours — I use alcohol inks for still-life work, creating vivid, controlled textures that contrast beautifully with traditional media.

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• Japanese Ink Work: My fascination with Japanese brushwork led me to develop a sumi-e and RISO fusion technique, which earned me a finalist spot in the Antalis Creative Power Awards 2022.

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These styles all allow me to approach each commission or collection with a fresh perspective, drawing from a deep well of influences and experimentation.

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Notable Projects & Professional Highlights

My creative journey has led to some exciting recognition and opportunities, including:

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• 🏆 Winner, NARA Alcohol Ink Artist Award
  My work was featured on their packaging, and I was later invited to judge the next edition.

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• 🖼️ Finalist, Antalis Creative Power Awards 2022
  I was honored to be a finalist, judged in Paris, with a series of four pieces originally designed for SANE, the mental health charity. Each piece was a fusion of sumi-e and RISO — blending traditional and modern Japanese techniques.

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• 🖼️ Solo Exhibition: Fusion at Pontefract Library Gallery
  The exhibition featured pieces that combined RISO, sumi-e, alcohol inks, and digital techniques.

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• 🖼️ Dean Clough Gallery, Halifax
  Several of my limited edition linocuts are stocked and have been exhibited and sold here.

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• ​I work for PINC College, a SEND further education, art-focused provision for neurodivergent creative adults. I work at the Dean Clough Campus, Halifax  as a mentor/tutor one day per week.

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• 📖 Featured Case Study
  I shared my journey with Discover! Creative Careers as part of their national case study series on working creatives.

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• Read the full feature here.

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What Matters Most

Beyond the accolades, what truly matters is that my work connects with people — whether it’s a print displayed on a gallery wall or a window mural that brightens a rainy December high street.

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Supporting the Next Generation of Neurodivergent Creatives

As an autistic person, I understand the importance of visibility and opportunity in creative spaces. That’s why I was proud to mentor an autistic college student during my work at Bob & Berts in Blackpool in 2024. He joined me for a day of real-world creative experience — tailored, relevant, and empowering.

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I know how easily neurodivergent students in mainstream settings can be overlooked, especially when it comes to work placements. I aim to make space, give back, and show what’s possible.

This experience, like much of my previous work with SEN students, informs how I approach projects: with empathy, clarity, and curiosity.

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Selling Art and Building an Online Presence

This website isn’t just a portfolio — it’s a living, breathing extension of my studio.

At martinroseillustration.com/shop, I offer:

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• Gallery-quality prints

• Canvas versions of original work

• Illustrated clothing and merchandise

• Commissions of all types — from personal gifts to commercial branding, and everything in between

Clients often comment on the accessibility and personability of working with me. If I don’t answer the phone, I’m probably in a client meeting or in the studio creating — but I always reply to messages and emails promptly.

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Why Hire a Freelance Illustrator and Printmaker Like Me?

When you work with me, you’re not just hiring someone to draw — you’re partnering with someone who has:

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• A deep, lived connection to storytelling, nature, and resilience.

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• A proven track record across education, commercial work, and exhibitions.

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• A passion for experimentation and bringing ideas to life in new, dynamic ways.

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• A personal mission to champion inclusivity and authenticity in everything I create.

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Whether you need a one-off illustration, a full visual campaign, or just want to chat ideas, I’m here — pens and brushes in hand, RISO waiting in the wings, ready to create something truly unique.