I'm Rich Fairhead, a freelance illustrator and designer based in London. I specialize in creating vivid illustrations and brand-driven artwork for publishing, editorial, advertising, print, murals, clothing, and animation. I combine live drawing with strong project management, art direction, and creative strategy to help brands tell their stories. Over the years I've collaborated with BT, Nike, The Guardian, Carlton Publishing, Saatchi, Farah, French Connection, Sony Music, Barclays, Adobe, Autotrader, Levi, and many others. I'm currently available for freelance illustration and illustration agency representation, and I recently led a 14-metre live drawing project celebrating Pandemic Heroes.…

Rich Fairhead

I'm Rich Fairhead, a freelance illustrator and designer based in London. I specialize in creating vivid illustrations and brand-driven artwork for publishing, editorial, advertising, print, murals, clothing, and animation. I combine live drawing with strong project management, art direction, and creative strategy to help brands tell their stories. Over the years I've collaborated with BT, Nike, The Guardian, Carlton Publishing, Saatchi, Farah, French Connection, Sony Music, Barclays, Adobe, Autotrader, Levi, and many others. I'm currently available for freelance illustration and illustration agency representation, and I recently led a 14-metre live drawing project celebrating Pandemic Heroes.…

Available to hire

I’m Rich Fairhead, a freelance illustrator and designer based in London. I specialize in creating vivid illustrations and brand-driven artwork for publishing, editorial, advertising, print, murals, clothing, and animation. I combine live drawing with strong project management, art direction, and creative strategy to help brands tell their stories.

Over the years I’ve collaborated with BT, Nike, The Guardian, Carlton Publishing, Saatchi, Farah, French Connection, Sony Music, Barclays, Adobe, Autotrader, Levi, and many others. I’m currently available for freelance illustration and illustration agency representation, and I recently led a 14-metre live drawing project celebrating Pandemic Heroes.

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Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator
January 1, 2008 - Present
Freelance illustration including advertising, editorial, clothing, brand identity, murals, live drawing, animation and storyboarding for national and international clients.
Illustration & Animation Agent at JSR Agency
April 1, 2022 - February 1, 2023
Helped to ensure the smooth running of each project including completing related administration. Thrived in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple projects and organizing digital production logistics. Promoted JSRs roster of artists to international industry agencies and clients. Actively sought out new opportunities and leads for artist promotion. Organized meetings and presented the JSR portfolio to agencies and perspective clients. Managed estimates, budgets and negotiated fees and usage on a daily basis across print, digital and moving image.
Art Gallery Sales Associate at They Made This
June 1, 2023 - Present
Oversee the day to day running of the Gallery and exhibition space. Selling artworks and advising customers, stock control, processing online orders and payments. A strong understanding of styles of artwork, relevant terminology and creative processes associated with the artworks.
Illustration Agent at Lemonade Agency
October 1, 2023 - Present
Promotion of Lemonade Agency roster, seeking out new opportunities and leads for artist promotions. Contributing to the agency marketing planning and assisting in formulation and creation of digital e-campaigns. Keeping abreast of trends and news within the industry.

Education

BA (Hons) Illustration & Animation at Kingston School of Art & Design
January 11, 2030 - March 9, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail
    uniE621 Event wall illustrations and live draw / BYD
    Project lead and principal artist for this wall art, instalation and live draw for BYD car Launch, Alexandra Palace, London. I was commissioned by Full Circle Events and BYD cars to create a bold and fun wall installation for the launch days of their new electric car in the UK. I managed a small team for install and on the day of the event, guests were invited to draw on the walls and floors whilst I oversaw.…
    paper Pandemic Heroes Mural

    Project lead and principal artist 14 x 3 metre mural commissioned by The Glades Shopping Centre in Bromley, developed to recognise and commemorate local Pandemic Heroes.

    This project was conceived and delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic,
    at a time of heightened social sensitivity, uncertainty, and emotional complexity. The mural was situated within a busy public interior space and required a careful, considered response to both its subject matter
    and its audience.

    Liaised with stakeholders, project managers and local community from rough sketches, amends to the final instalation over 4 days.