Welcome to My Art Blog | Howell Illustration

My Blog

Welcome to my blog, where I chat about maps, art, nature and sustainability. I'll give you the stories behind the art, 'how to's and interviews, both with other artists and the authors I work with. Do you have something to say and would like to be a guest author on my blog? Let me know below!

C O N T A C T

Nov 6

Vintage Map Art Prints

A quick look at my inspiration as an illustrated map specialist; and new antique map art prints!

Oct 16

New Packaging for my Art Products

Over the last few weeks I've described the ins and outs of deciding on, creating, designing and printing new packaging for my art products .

Oct 9

Creating A New Design: The Stages of Design

In the last blog I talked you through my process for finding and costing custom printed wrapping paper, this time I want to talk you through

Oct 2

Designing Wrapping Paper Products

I'm designing wrapping paper for my business; come with me on the journey and see the stages of creating a new product with my art.

Sep 4

Putting Your Art On Products

In the last seven years I've put my art on so many products it's unreal: bone china mugs, organic cotton tote bags, recycled paper letter...

Aug 27

An Artist's Authenticity

I want to be authentic. But in a world where very little is, and you have to play by the rules to be seen (hint: the rules feel very...

May 8

5 Ways to Display Your Posters

Inspiration for hanging your posters in your home: 5 ways to display your posters

May 3

New Kids (Posters) on the Block

The story behind my new kid's animal posters: The Monochrome Menagerie series, chatting about inspiration for both drawing and product

Apr 26

Map of the Month: The Ranulph Fiennes Maps

Back in 2022, I created a series of maps for Ranulph Fiennes' book Climb Your Mountain. Here, I chat about the story behind the maps and how

Apr 19

Feature Friday: The Carta Marina

Looking at they 1539 map The Carta Marina and how it has influenced my style as a map illustrator

Apr 17

How To Draw an Illustrated Map Part 8: Border Details

Draw your own illustrated map with me! This week we focus on creating the border

Apr 11

5 Ideas for Custom Art Gifts

Shop small for the most unique gifts with these 5 ideas for unique custom art gifts from illustrator Nicola Howell Hawley!

Apr 10

Sustainable Packaging: How To Minimise Waste When Packaging Products

How I minimise my waste when packaging products, including links to the websites I use for my sustainable packaging and printing.

Apr 4

Future Products: New Kids' Poster Wall Art

What's new for Howell Illustration in 2024? New Kids' posters and punny greetings cards! Check them out now!

Apr 3

Finding Your Illustrative Style: 5 Illustrated Maps to look at for inspiration

Five beautiful illustrated maps to help you find your map drawing style. Contents Intro Historical Maps : The Carta Marina (1539) Hand...

Mar 29

Creating a Custom Map for The Winter List

Every month I highlight a map I've illustrated and give you the story behind it. This month, it's the turn of this deceptively simple map...

Mar 27

How To Frame Your Art at Home

Do you sit with your art at home, unframed and unhung for years and years? Yeah, I've been there, but now this post is here to help you!...

Mar 22

An Interview with S.G. MacLean for Feature Friday: The story behind The Bookseller of Inverness

I'm so pleased to bring you this wonderful interview with author S.G. MacLean on the story behind her novel The Bookseller of Inverness...

Mar 15

Artist Recommendations: My Favourite Artists, Part 2!

A short while ago I wrote about my top 5 favourite artists working today, but once I got going, I found I had way more than 5! So here is...

Mar 13

How To Make Your Own Font Quickly

Creating your own font takes a lot of work, but there is a quick way to do it. I'm going to show you how. Though, if you're wanting to...