Lucy Sherston’s energetic illustrations draw from Keith Haring and “the power of pink”

Since she graduated four years ago, British illustrator Lucy Sherston has been developing her abstract, dynamic illustrations to adapt to everything from cards and prints to murals and installations. Energetic, bright and packed with definite 80s vibes, Lucy’s work draws from Keith Haring’s linework and Niki de Saint Phalle’s no-holds-barred use of colour.

“I try to strike a balance between graphic shapes and textural, hand-drawn elements,” she explains. “I’d describe my palette as hot and soft… I’m a typical Brit in that I focus a lot on the weather! So my colours often centre around the mood, climate or time of day I’m trying to convey. I also like to focus on the delicate moments in life – I get a lot of power from the colour pink”.

Lucy studied at Leeds College of Art but is now based near Brighton, from which she’s worked for clients including the Hyde Park Picture House and Dowse Design. She draws by hand before collaging the pieces digitally, pulling together the layout in big blocks of colour, and adding scanned textures. While most pieces are on paper, she recently made a fabric piece for a solo show in Manchester, which she says gives her work life and “allows it to have movement”.

This recent project represents something of an ambition for the illustrator. “I’m always dreaming of ways to make large scale, immersive illustrative environments,” she says. “I’m hugely influenced by Haring’s ethos towards making art, Sister Corita Kent’s positivity and Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptural playgrounds. Also, Molly Mendoza absolutely kills it, her work is incredible. I enjoy making things fit together, seeing how the world is built up around me.”