You may not know her name, but you’ll almost certainly know her artwork.
Carlisle born and bred Yvette Earl has been honing her illustration skills for the last 15 years, developing a unique style that brings architecture and landscapes to life through her colourful creations.
From one-off private commissions of client’s homes to dramatic skies above famous northern city landmarks, Yvette’s interpretations of the buildings and environment around her have captured the imagination of dozens of happy customers.
They have also won her an impressive stream of contracts and commissions from businesses and councils across the region.
From Christmas window displays and murals in Newcastle city centre to a one-off piece for Penrith Building Society’s marketing campaign and interior artwork design for BBC’s North East offices, her attention to detail and choice of colours makes her work incredibly distinctive, and has helped her to carve out a niche in an industry that can be difficult to stand out in.
“I was always fascinated by drawing as a kid, and by my early teens I knew that art would be my career in some form.
“I did a one-year foundation diploma in art and design and then a degree in illustration at the University of Cumbria.
“I had a wonderful tutor in Paul Taylor who was instrumental in encouraging me to pursue a career in illustration. I think a lot of local art graduates have Paul to thank for his support,” said Yvette.
In her second year at university, she was given a project to draw buildings in Carlisle’s Portland Square – three rows of grey, run-down terraced townhouses framing a small public garden.
“From that point I was always happiest when drawing buildings and became obsessive about details.
“I made sure to always look up – it’s amazing what we don’t notice sometimes.
“I practiced all the time and gradually found my own style by using my illustration skills with an iPad and learning how to use the design programmes to compliment my drawings.
“That’s when the stylus became my new pen,” said Yvette.
The 33-year-old former Trinity School pupil takes inspiration from some of her favourite hobbies and interests.
The music and fashion of the 1990’s, coupled with a love for landscape artists like Lowry and a keen interest in the social history of the north have been crucial to her development as an artist.
“I’m really proud of where I am from. I love Carlisle, I am inspired by it and I think my working-class background has been as much an influence as anything else.
“People think you need to move away from Carlisle to be successful but it’s not true. My favourite places to draw are here, like the Howard Arms pub, Linton Tweeds or the castle.
“I also loved acid house and the Hacienda scene and I was really into hardcore punk bands and the artwork that went with that in the 80’s and 90’s.
“There are some brands I have always loved as well like Carhartt, Berghaus and New Balance, so I try to incorporate that influence in my work as well – through colours or by dressing the people I draw in a certain way,” she said.
Now self-employed, Yvette spent several years working full time for a number of local firms in graphic design and marketing, whilst doing her own commissions and designs in the evenings.
“I was always working because I just love drawing so it’s never really felt like work, but I am really proud to now be making a living from it on my own.
“I am not an office person, I can’t be creative or put my inspiration into practice if I am in the same space all the time.
“I understood really quickly that social media was going to be a big part of raising my profile and getting more work. I learned how to self-promote and have become much more savvy about the business side of it all,” she said.
With private commissions now taking up the bulk of her time, there is no major plan for the future, other than to continue making a living from what she loves doing.
Running your own illustration and design business has its challenges though, especially when every single piece requires such personal investment.
“Maintaining that creative drive can be difficult, it’s often high pressure as well if I am working on several things at once.
“It can be less secure than other jobs too as my income goes up and down and I try to have a good work-life balance,” said Yvette.
Some of Yvette’s work is showcased on her website where customers can order prints or enquire about a commission.
Requests to create colourful interpretations of customers’ houses make up around 60% of her business.
“People love their homes and are proud of where they live, and I love being able to create something that is theirs and theirs only,” said Yvette.
Homeowner’s pets are regularly included in the drawings, with cats, birds and dogs all finding their way into the finished product, alongside subtle details such as seagulls, telephone wires and shadows from moon or sunlight.
Forthcoming work includes a project for Newcastle’s Christmas Markets, attending trade shows and more private property commissions. Yvette will also be exhibiting two paintings at the Baltic in Gateshead in November as part of a street and urban art exhibition.
“I love being busy. Draw all the time! It’s how you keep getting better and develop your own style,” she said.
Away from illustration, Yvette is a keen walker, making the most of the Lake District which has also served as an inspiration for her work.
“I love being outside and I’d like to do a calendar of my favourite Lake District scenes. I’d also like to do some work for one of the brands I love like New Balance or Carhartt,” she said.
On the subject of artificial intelligence, Yvette has mixed views.
Whilst acknowledging the value of AI in some contexts, such as helping young designers and illustrators learn new techniques and skills, it also poses risks to the industry.
“I do think AI could be a threat if it is not regulated properly. It will become too easy to copy people’s work and we don’t fully understand it.
“That will lead to a lack of creativity and originality in the profession and the value of people’s work – which they have spent years honing their skills for – will be diluted,” said Yvette.
