Willie Ryan

Willie’s career spanned four decades, and over the years he contributed to many of the world’s biggest newspapers and magazines, and dozens of publishing companies large and small. He worked for leading car manufacturers, clothing brands that are household names, global banks and charities.

His style was simple, graphic and minimalist, but though Willie’s artwork was direct, there was more to it than mere clarity. Like the man himself, his images had a gentle, subtle quality to them – expressive and imbued with character, humorous and human, never over the top.

Like his clients, the agents here at IllustrationX appreciated Willie for his professionalism, intelligence, wit and his ability to strike the right tone using the simplest of tools – line work and flat colours.

Growing up in Chiswick, West London, Willie decided he would become an illustrator at the age of 10. “It sounded much better than a proper job,” he used to say.

He drew his way into St Martins School of Art in the early 80s and found an agent as soon as he graduated. During the 1990s, he pioneered the use of vector graphics software, but never abandoned his pen and pad. Each commission would begin with figurative sketches, which he traced, scaled and coloured on the computer.

After his London days, he migrated to Hastings, East Sussex, and set up a studio in a house with a lovely, elevated view of the sea.

Willie’s creativity extended well beyond drawing. He was an avid guitarist, whose collection included an obscene number of instruments. A shy soul, he avoided the spotlight, taking joy from writing, playing and recording music, rather than performing live.

After a long battle with pancreatitis and then pancreatic cancer, Willie passed away on 9 November 2023, calm and stoic to the last. His loss has been devastating for his wife, children, family and friends and we send them our heartfelt condolences. 

We will miss his funny, cheeky, always-positive personality, his sense of humour and his laugh. Willie was easy to get along with and to talk to; we will remember the conversations, his warmth and his kindness.

Our industry colleague Jacqui Figgis represented Willie in the 1980s and 90s. She said: “Willie was an utterly charming, funny and bright man. His glass was always half full. He was the easiest of artists to work with, always enthusiastic and professional no matter the size of the commission. My sympathy to his family, it was a pleasure knowing and working with him.”

Harry Lyon-Smith, MD at IllustrationX, said: “For over 25 years we have represented Willie, and his loss is like that of family, heart-breaking. Beyond his wonderful work that always brought a smile and a laugh, our agency parties were lit up by his joie de vivre and warmth. Rest in peace Willie, you brightened this world and you will the next.”

Willie Ryan – 16 April 1961 to 9 November 2023.

 

Written by Garrick Webster