Helen Brady — Expressive Children's Book Illustrator, UK

Meet Helen Brady, the illustrator from the heart of England whose work is all about character and detail. Whether it’s a triumphant grin, a bored shrug or a devious side-eye glance, Helen captures the expression then twists the dial, never forgetting how a crooked finger or dismissive wave can seal the moment.

Her approach is ideal for children’s, middle grade and young adult book illustration, where complex emotions and a little tension add to the intrigue. From cute to cunning, Helen’s characters bring nuance and interest, engaging young readers and carrying the narrative. After many years working as a makeup artist, Helen returned to her love of drawing during lockdown and has established a style all her own. With an eye for the eclectic, she is an avid people watcher. Influences include the Disney artist Milt Kahl and his Madame Medusa in The Rescuers, as well as the Magic Light Pictures’ rendition of Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl.

Approach

Helen works in ink, watercolour, gouache, pastel and pencil, and uses Procreate too, with the finishing touches executed in Photoshop. She has had great success using monochrome for its atmosphere and playing with negative space in her compositions.

Key software

Procreate, Photoshop.

Style

Helen varies her style and can bring a unique vibe to each project, but whether the look is loose and impressionistic or more locked down and detailed, the emotions shine through in body shapes and expressions of the characters.