Devilish charm: the illustrations of Polly Nor

Date
21 October 2016

Polly Nor is a north west London-based illustrator whose “dark and satirical drawings of women and their demons” have gained an immense following over recent years.

Since graduating in 2011 Polly’s list of commissions are endless, from Bloomsbury Publishing to Dazed Digital, and we can see exactly why. With an ironic narrative reminiscent of the cartoon series Daria, the illustrator focuses on traits of females often undiscussed. From battling with personal worries, surreptitious sexual tendencies to simply not being able to decide what to wear, the illustrator is valiant with her content.

A reoccurring figure throughout Polly’s illustrations is a devilish character used to represent woes that play on the female mind. Each illustration is broad in its portrayal but with a consistent relatable charm, whether it is describing something suggestive or serious.

In one square image Polly is able to sketch an entire narrative, through a range of characterful expressions, textures in a feminine colour palette. Someone give the girl an animated series, we want to see how these characters beat or embrace their demons!

Above

Polly Nor: Learned how to hide my crazy

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Polly Nor: It got loose

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Polly Nor: Cba 2 Pretend No More

Above
Left

Polly Nor: Babe You’re Going To Be Fine

Right

Polly Nor: Cut It Off

Above

Polly Nor: Cut It Off

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Polly Nor: She Only Swipes Right On Sundays

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Polly Nor: Got 2 Get Through This

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About the Author

Lucy Bourton

Lucy (she/her) is the senior editor at Insights, a research-driven department with It's Nice That. Get in contact with her for potential Insights collaborations or to discuss Insights' fortnightly column, POV. Lucy has been a part of the team at It's Nice That since 2016, first joining as a staff writer after graduating from Chelsea College of Art with a degree in Graphic Design Communication.

lb@itsnicethat.com

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