Exclusively contracted to represent:

Helen Brady

Helen Brady - United Kingdom based illustrator

Meet Helen Brady, the illustrator from the heart of England whose work is all about character and detail. Whether it’s a triumphant grin, a bored shrug or a devious side-eye glance, Helen captures the expression then twists the dial, never forgetting how a crooked finger or dismissive wave can seal the moment.
Her approach is ideal for children’s, middle grade and young adult book illustration, where complex emotions and a little tension add to the intrigue. From cute to cunning, Helen’s characters bring nuance and interest, engaging young readers and carrying the narrative. After many years working as a makeup artist, Helen returned to her love of drawing during lockdown and has established a style all her own. With an eye for the eclectic, she is an avid people watcher. Influences include the Disney artist Milt Kahl and his Madame Medusa in The Rescuers, as well as the Magic Light Pictures’ rendition of Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl.

Approach

Helen works in ink, watercolour, gouache, pastel and pencil, and uses Procreate too, with the finishing touches executed in Photoshop. She has had great success using monochrome for its atmosphere and playing with negative space in her compositions.

Key software

Procreate, Photoshop.

Style

Helen varies her style and can bring a unique vibe to each project, but whether the look is loose and impressionistic or more locked down and detailed, the emotions shine through in body shapes and expressions of the characters.

Client list

Illustration of Luna Lovegood with glasses and wizard hat by Helen Brady
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Illustrated biography of Luna Lovegood by Helen Brady with key traits and scenes
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Children's fantasy artwork featuring an underwater theme
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Whimsical elf with large ears and colorful clothes holding framed picture by Helen Brady
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A scribbled crayon masterpiece featuring a bright green house
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Whimsical illustrated map of Luna's house showing rooms and objects by Helen Brady
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Dobby the house-elf wearing a hat and scarf in a colorful illustrated scene by Helen Brady
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Dobby the house-elf illustration from Pocket Potters by Helen Brady
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A sketch drawing of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
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Watercolor artwork based on friendship poetry
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Feeding the birds by scattering seeds
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Wolf character concept for a kids' picture book
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A photo frame titled 'The Curs'ed Man on Curs'ed Seas
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Helen Brady illustrated map showing Hogwarts castle and surrounding wizarding scenes
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From Coughin' to Coffin' figure designed for middle grades
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An awful crime befell the greatest painter of all time!
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Illustrating an ending and a hopeful new beginning
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Science lab education artwork
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Middle-grade artwork featuring a thief scared by a ghost
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Jars and bottles of pickles, preserves, and olive oil
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The Diary of Claude Le Clair
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She is.. Madame Marvellous Firebolt Girl! book jacket design
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Artwork of the creepy thief on a boat
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Marmaduket's Toy Emporium cartoon for a children's book
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Christmas scene of posting a letter to Santa
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A snapshot of a lockdown scene at home
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Cartoon depiction of Christmas showman decoration
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