Meet illustrator and artist Bethany Mellor. Luckily I came across this gem through a friend and I’m glad I did. I caught up with Bethany, see what she had to say below.
Name: Bethany Mellor
Age: 23
City: London/Kent
Occupation: Student and Part Time Sales Assistant 
Illustration by Bethany Mellor
Tell us a bit about yourself? (Background, hobbies, interests)
“There’s not too much to tell really. I never really ‘grew up’ in one place and have always been on the move. From Saudi, to London, to now Kent. My environment has always changed. Travelling is my top priority and probably the reason I’m always skint. Other than that, I currently work in Offspring, trying to make some cash but probably spending more there on trainers than what I earn.”
Have you always been interested in art?
“Yeah I have. From since I can remember I have always been interested in art.”
How did you discover you were good at illustration and how did you get into it?
“I’ve always been creative since I was little, and from Art at school. But you were all taught to draw the same and were restricted. If something didn’t look realistic it was ‘wrong’. So, I started off more as a Fine Artist. Doing a foundation degree opened the door to Illustration for me.”
What’s it like being a student at Camberwell College of Art? What’s the illustration course like for you?
“Here and there really… I’ve never been sure if university is the one for me, and I’ve had my ups and downs. But one thing I can say is my work has improved drastically. An environment where people give constructive criticism, it does build you up. Getting out the comfort zone rather than just having my Mum telling me ‘all my works great’.”
Where do you get your inspiration from for your illustration?
“Everything and everywhere. Your surroundings and the cultures around gives the best inspiration. My recent work is mainly inspired by London, so a lot of that is based around people I know/have met, the architecture and things I have seen/experienced. It’s the grimy buildings and aesthetics that stand out to me. I love ugly stuff.”
I noticed you do graffiti as well, was that a natural progression from the illustration?
“Not so much a progression from Illustration…More from those you meet. I have always been intrigued by it, how people would get to that spot, and the overall aesthetics. It’s only in the recent couple years I picked up a can. Haven’t in a little while though.”
Who are your creative inspirations?
“There’s so many… off the top of my head I’d have to go with Freako Rico and OG slick. “
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“Out of retail by then. The goal by then is to be making a living with my art.”
Do you have any advice for aspiring illustrators?
“I can’t give too much advice as I’m trying to get out there with my work just like many others are. But I guess just be yourself, the right people will appreciate what you do.”
I think Bethany has the huge potential to blow up and I wish her all the success in the world.
Check out more for her work here: https://www.instagram.com/bethany.mellor/