Through vivid colours and gentle lines, Alex Skyrme’s vision softens life’s harsh edges.

From a small village in Wales, her works are defined by a unique colour palette and a desire to find joy in the ordinary.

Alex doesn’t necessarily consider herself ‘just’ an illustrator. If she has to pick, she thinks the term “creative” suits her best: “We’re scared to give ourselves a label. In reality, we are multiple things at once,” she tells me over the phone. When I first met Alex three years ago, what struck me was the bright colour in her outfit, like a crown of creative energy radiating through her friendly smile. To me, Alex is one of the few people who can convey a clear message without saying a word; in her case, one of positivity and empathy. Unsurprisingly, I soon realised that her digital illustrations follow the same principle: clear, neat lines that, through their accessible design, gently convey messages we can all relate to: love for a partner, a gloomy day, or a riot of colourful outfits. 

In their apparent simplicity, Alex’s works carry an extraordinary sense of togetherness within themselves: deeper topics are explored through simpler narratives, easy for everyone to understand.  “I would not define myself as a conceptual person, but rather as an intuitive one”, she confirms. Her cobalt blues and brick reds are easy on the eye, and always provoked in me a sense of therapeutic calmness, the same way a coloured Art Nouveau glass would impact a visitor during a sunny day. Uniquely, Alex softens the way I look at life through her works, succeeding in her intent to bring delight and peace to those around her.

Hi Alex! Could you navigate me through your love for all things creative? How did it start?

I always loved drawing, even as a kid. My favourite thing was visiting the Cardiff museums and bringing my whole family with me. I also really liked clothes and painting, and I’ve always been quite creative. Plus, my parents were really supportive and encouraged me to pursue something I loved doing. When it came to choosing my GCSEs, it was a no-brainer. I had a great art teacher, Mr Lewis, who encouraged me to follow a creative path. When I applied for my foundation course, I remember him pulling my mum aside and telling her that if she weren’t going to apply to one in London for me, he would do it himself behind my back!

I know you come from beautiful Wales. Why London? Did you always love the city?

I always loved the idea of London. I had never been before, but coming from a small village in Wales, I felt the city could welcome the same creativity that made me stand out back home. So my mum and I travelled three hours by bus and dropped off my portfolio at Central Saint Martins. I was gobsmacked visiting the city; I instantly knew that was where I wanted to be. A few months later, I received an acceptance letter.

Although the course helped me realise what I didn’t want to do, and the feedback I got on my work was helpful, at times, I found it hard to make friends and felt the environment was definitely competitive. When I specialised in illustration and printmaking, I immediately knew I had found my people. 

At university, people bring in many different styles and visions, which can be extremely stimulating, but overwhelming at times. How did you develop your unique style? 

My goal was always to express what I felt inside and who I thought I was at the time. I definitely didn’t have a style at the beginning. I don’t think anyone does. I remember doing an exercise where I had to draw the same object in many different styles. This helped me nail my own style. 

I can easily spot one of your works by simply looking at the unique, identifiable colour palette. Which artists inspire you, and why?

Colours really speak to me. I love using blue, red, and pink. I always tell my team at work that if they see me wearing dark colours, then the world might as well be ending. I used to apply darker tones to my early work and found that it wasn’t representative of me. I’m a positive person, and I want my work to reflect that. My early work was influenced by Manjit Thapp; her illustrations were beautiful, and I loved how she drew objects that related to her. I am also inspired by artists like David Shrigley and Christoph Niemann, who focus on simplified communication, something people can enjoy looking at. I like their invitation to see ordinary things differently and find poetry in everyday objects.

Life in London can have its ups and downs for an artist. How do emotions impact your work, and do you have any non-negotiable routines or rituals?

The mood I’m in reflects on my work, as well as what I am surrounded by. I find it hard to draw when I’m sad or upset, so I make a point to look at inspiration, see what other people are doing, and make sure I’m surrounded by colour. I get out of my head by seeing friends and finding funny narratives. I like creating stories that have a twist. During the pandemic, it was important for me to bring some cheer or a laugh in such a difficult time. When I’m creating, I want to make something that sparks joy in people.

Given the climate we are in, it made me want to create art that puts positivity into the world. In a world that feels full of negativity, I just want to put a bit of love out there.

I met Alex in London, a city that offers so much but can also take a lot. For creatives, it is challenging to carve out space. Like her, I alternated between tiring side jobs, but I was struck to know that her customer-facing jobs were often a source of creative inspiration. At work, surrounded by colourful design objects and semi-comical stories, Alex carries forward the lessons of her beloved school teacher and honours a legacy of care and nurturing toward others, which, beyond her art, surely defines her as a person. 

Through this wonderful interview, I was able to reconnect with a friend who reminded me that art doesn’t need to be complicated, elaborate, or abstract. It can be personal and direct. With apparent simplicity, the purpose shifts from trying to impress the viewer to something far more honourable: bringing people a smile or two.

Alex’s portfolio features collaborations with Hallmark, Mimp Magazine, and Mxogyny.

Follow Alex on Instagram and check out her website.