I am an illustrator in the UK specialising in sequential narrative illustrations—either my own stories or other people’s. I create work for graphic novels, picturebooks, comics, brand advertising, and marketing, and I can also produce prints for companies, brands, and organisations. My style focuses on lots or minimal textures, perspective, and charming big-eyed characters that are instantly identifiable from a distance. I believe problem-solving, creativity, and resilience are key tools for making strong products, and I bring those values into my public, private, and professional work.

Rafael S. Silva

Pro

I am an illustrator in the UK specialising in sequential narrative illustrations—either my own stories or other people’s. I create work for graphic novels, picturebooks, comics, brand advertising, and marketing, and I can also produce prints for companies, brands, and organisations. My style focuses on lots or minimal textures, perspective, and charming big-eyed characters that are instantly identifiable from a distance. I believe problem-solving, creativity, and resilience are key tools for making strong products, and I bring those values into my public, private, and professional work.

Available to hire

I am an illustrator in the UK specialising in sequential narrative illustrations—either my own stories or other people’s. I create work for graphic novels, picturebooks, comics, brand advertising, and marketing, and I can also produce prints for companies, brands, and organisations.

My style focuses on lots or minimal textures, perspective, and charming big-eyed characters that are instantly identifiable from a distance. I believe problem-solving, creativity, and resilience are key tools for making strong products, and I bring those values into my public, private, and professional work.

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Language

English
Fluent
Portuguese
Intermediate

Work Experience

Product line creator (Coffee Collection) at Woodmansterne
September 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
Worked around inconsistent communication with clients while building a new collection. Created a new themed collection by developing ideas from a gap within Woodmansterne’s existing product line, taking creative risks by introducing a new style alongside the company’s current collections.
Zine designer and page layout illustrator (Marketing and Designing pages) at Norwich University of the Arts
March 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Laid out zine pages that integrated both the team’s work and the overall zine style. Took control when work backed up to bring the team back on track, collaborating around others’ tasks to ensure the full product was completed.
Illustration/Marketing content contributor (Quadram Cookbook) at Quadram Institute of Science
March 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024
Worked around ever-changing timelines to produce work for the Quadram Cookbook and supported their social media output alongside the main product. Created a connected, client-attracting product intended to open new potential income sources and strengthen engagement.
Exhibition installation illustrator (Holocaust Center North physical gallery mockup) at Holocaust Center North
January 1, 2024 - February 29, 2024
Produced gallery work that told the story faithfully. Used the physical space to create connection with viewers and experimented with new material-based ways of seeing and communicating narrative.
Marketing and web redesign designer at Climate Action Hope in Norfolk
April 1, 2023 - May 31, 2023
Worked around limited communication regarding brand plans. Created a distinguishable brand design aligned with the organisation’s values, collaborating as part of a team to deliver brand assets within a limited timeframe.
Exhibition artist (Stuart House series) at Stuart House
December 1, 2020 - May 31, 2021
Produced three gallery pieces under time pressure. Focused on attention to detail to represent locations correctly, and handled client feedback including unconventional opinions on pricing. Took creative risks to achieve strong product outcomes.

Education

BA (hons) Illustration at Norwich University of the Arts
September 14, 2022 - August 6, 2025
BTEC Level 3 extended diploma (D, D, M) at Peterborough City College
September 1, 2019 - August 6, 2021
5 GCSEs (including English & Maths) at Thomas Deacon Academy
September 2, 2013 - August 7, 2019

Qualifications

5 GCSEs (including math and english)
September 2, 2013 - August 7, 2019
BTEC Level 3 Extended Deploma DDM
September 2, 2019 - August 6, 2021
BA (hons) Illustration 2.1
September 14, 2022 - August 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Retail
    Portfolio
    My portfolio includes past work from both organisations and my personal projects. resume illustrator pdf graphicdesigner