Hello! I’m Holly, an illustrator from the seaside town of Bournemouth, England. 

Since childhood I’ve been crafting silly stories and spooky tales - cats, witches and ghosts appear frequently in my sketchbooks. My work can be playful and funny, but also leaves space for the more difficult emotions children experience. As a disabled illustrator and an anxious human, I know how important stories are in showing us a path through darkness; so my books celebrate the curiosity, resilience and imagination of children.  

I love working with line, shape and colour: I’ve filled my studio with jars of pencils, watercolour paint and glowing ink bottles, so that it feels like a sweet shop of possibility. I also enjoy printmaking and layering texture into my images - often with the aid of a little digital witchcraft. 

When I’m not out and about with a sketchbook, you’ll find me in the library. 

Website: www.hollystroud.co.uk

Instagram: @witchcrafty_illustration

Email: holly@hollystroud.co.uk