I’m a recent graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University with a First in Illustration W/Animation, focusing on narratives and storytelling. I'm eager to be involved in collaborative projects and to bring narratives to life through thoughtfully illustrated imagery. Within my personal practice, I draw inspiration from nature, mythology and ancient stories, aiming to breathe new life into old imagery by using personal and more contemporary contexts. Growing up in Lancashire, my childhood was filled with trips to castles, ruins and inspiring landscapes, it's in this personal sense that my work connects back to a childhood imagination surrounding themes of adventure. My work ranges from dark, brooding atmospheres, to comforting environments and whimsical characters with warm colour palettes. I use traditional media such as charcoal, charcoal pencils, inks and watercolour to create environments and figures that are full of movement and life. Whilst I focus on traditional media, I am happy to use digital forms of illustration, especially when colouring or enhancing a traditionally created image.

Luke Donbavand

I’m a recent graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University with a First in Illustration W/Animation, focusing on narratives and storytelling. I'm eager to be involved in collaborative projects and to bring narratives to life through thoughtfully illustrated imagery. Within my personal practice, I draw inspiration from nature, mythology and ancient stories, aiming to breathe new life into old imagery by using personal and more contemporary contexts. Growing up in Lancashire, my childhood was filled with trips to castles, ruins and inspiring landscapes, it's in this personal sense that my work connects back to a childhood imagination surrounding themes of adventure. My work ranges from dark, brooding atmospheres, to comforting environments and whimsical characters with warm colour palettes. I use traditional media such as charcoal, charcoal pencils, inks and watercolour to create environments and figures that are full of movement and life. Whilst I focus on traditional media, I am happy to use digital forms of illustration, especially when colouring or enhancing a traditionally created image.

Available to hire

I’m a recent graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University with a First in Illustration W/Animation, focusing on narratives and storytelling. I’m eager to be involved in collaborative projects and to bring narratives to life through thoughtfully illustrated imagery.

Within my personal practice, I draw inspiration from nature, mythology and ancient stories, aiming to breathe new life into old imagery by using personal and more contemporary contexts. Growing up in Lancashire, my childhood was filled with trips to castles, ruins and inspiring landscapes, it’s in this personal sense that my work connects back to a childhood imagination surrounding themes of adventure. My work ranges from dark, brooding atmospheres, to comforting environments and whimsical characters with warm colour palettes.

I use traditional media such as charcoal, charcoal pencils, inks and watercolour to create environments and figures that are full of movement and life. Whilst I focus on traditional media, I am happy to use digital forms of illustration, especially when colouring or enhancing a traditionally created image.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Catering Assistant at Lavender & Thyme Artisan Catering
August 1, 2022 - March 1, 2023
Assisted with support during events and catering services, inventory management and planning of various activities for the team. Developed skills in customer service and team collaboration.
General Assistant & Assembler at Arti Green
June 1, 2019 - May 1, 2022
Worked in an artificial plant business within the factory and yard, moving stock, building and assembling artificial plant displays for local and national clients.

Education

Secondary Education at Leyland St Mary's Catholic High School
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2018
Extended Diploma in Fine Art (Merit) at Runshaw College
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Distinction) at Runshaw College
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
BA (Hons) Illustration W/Animation (First) at Manchester Metropolitan University
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Illustration W/Animation
October 23, 2025 - October 23, 2025
Studied at Manchester Metropolitan University

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    uniE621 Spread from Ice & Tooth
    Pages 25,26 from Ice & Tooth, printed professionally.
    uniE621 Character Design Sketch
    An idea for the character 'Helgi' in Ice & Tooth.
    uniE621 Grim
    Character portrait for 'Grim' in my final university narrative 'Ice & Tooth'. 'Ice & Tooth: Death Under Stars' is the final project I worked on whilst studying illustration at university, for which I graduated in July 2025. The narrative shows the story of Grim, a young man recalling memories of his father whilst dealing with the grief of knowing he'll never see him again. It's a sombre story, one which is delivered through dark, atmospheric greyscale illustrations, a mix of charcoal and charcoal pencils were used to create moments of stillness that work dynamically with imagery full of movement. It was written by myself with the narrative loosely based on the 13th century Icelandic tale 'Njal's Sage', with the character's names and story vaguely based on such.
    uniE621 Beowulf Mock-Up Front/Back Cover
    A mock-up front/back illustrated cover for Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, published by Faber & Faber.
    uniE621 Sleeping Owl
    From my concertina hand-bound book 'Tapestry of Ritual'.
    uniE621 Tapestry of Ritual Cover
    Front cover for my hand-bound concertina book.
    uniE621 Wooden Knights
    Illustration from a hand-bound book project 'The Woods Beyond'. Work from this project were exhibited in the Didsbury Parsonage, Manchester, as this narrative was inspired by visiting the grounds.
    uniE621 Autmun Poster
    A poster created as an experiment in a children's book illustrative style.