News / 09 Aug 2026
Illustration alumni featured in AOI’s Graduates to Watch 2026
BA (Hons) Illustration
Recent BA (Hons) Illustration graduate Ellita Lara is one of the Association of Illustrators' (AOI) 10 illustrators to 10 Illustration Graduates to Watch in 2026.
Elita’s illustration practice often falls into themes of nostalgia and childlike awe, with a focus on curiosity in nature. She uses her work to invite the viewer to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty surrounding us.
“All my work centres around a narrative focus, while exploring different mediums and approaches to image making. I love to paint with big brushes, collage with mixed media, make detailed coloured pencil drawings and occasionally dabble in fabric and embroidery.”
Ellita Lara, BA (Hons) Illustration
AOI work very closely with universities around the UK and beyond to help support illustration students during their studies and into their freelance careers. Each year AOI celebrate then up and coming illustrators as they take their first steps into the industry.
“I feel very grateful and proud to have been selected by the AOI as a 2026 graduate to watch. It’s really lovely to see people connect to my work and the stories that I’m telling!”
Ellita Lara, BA (Hons) Illustration
Useful Links