DROOL: When do you feel you first found success in the world of art, and how have you grown since then?
Elisa: Back in 2013, fresh out of art school, I was commissioned to illustrate a bedtime story for Walker Books. That was my first experience of working to a brief for a big publishing house. It taught me a lot about the creative process, and the more technical side of working with clients. Since then my process has evolved quite a bit, it’s more focused on line work, painting with ink, and dogs!

DROOL: How did you discover your voice in art?
Elisa: I was interested in painting and drawing way before I could tell the time or tie my shoelaces. My parents and teachers definitely encouraged me to keep at it which gave me a lot of confidence in those early years. I went on to study Illustration and Visual Communication at Brighton University. It was quite gruelling course, I’m not sure I enjoyed my time there but it certainly taught me to take criticism with a pinch of salt and to plough on with an idea if I believe it’s the right thing to do.

DROOL: What about dogs attracts you to them as subjects for your artwork?
Elisa: For me it’s their silhouette, their swerves and curves, particularly with sighthounds. Since bringing my beautiful whippet Lolly home I’ve been even more fascinated by their shapes when they run, sleep, stretch. They’re beautiful animals and are so great to draw.

DROOL: What compels you to keep driving forward as an artist? How do you aspire to grow as an artist this year?
Elisa: Pleasure. It’s very freeing to be able to let go and paint for the sake of making marks on paper. I really do enjoy the process. As for growth, I’d love to hone my lino printing skills. Last year I dabbled with a few designs and would love to go bigger, and more intricate this year.

DROOL: Which do you prefer: dogs or people, and why?
Elisa: Both, I’m very privileged to have a great dog and great people in my life.

DROOL: If you had to choose one dog breed to characterize who you are, what breed would it be and why?
Elisa: Obviously it’s going to be a whippet. They love sleep and the comfortable things in life, they’re loyal to their people, they’re laid back but up for an adventure when the time is right, and they love a chunky knit jumper.

Give Elisa a follow @elisatheillustrator
And visit her website elisamac.com