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.