About me

My name is Alexandra McCarthy and I am a Birmingham based illustrator. I studied at Birmingham City University where I received both a BA (Hons) and MA degree in Visual Communication (illustration).

My influences stem from Japanese culture and the Harajuku scene, I also have a large admiration for American animated TV shows and films, The Simpsons and The Power Puff Girls in particular. The humour and quirky art styles really resonated with me and my work.

I regularly attend and promote my work at various comic conventions across the country, these experiences allow me to interact with my followers and gain an idea on popular trends. When I'm not attending comic conventions I am focusing on my freelance work and managing my online Etsy shop.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES:

Shortlisted- Illustration for fashion and Lifestyle- Sponsored by First Steps Baby Wear. (2016)

Shortlisted for a Graphics Assistant role for Channel 4's Paras Production Training Scheme (2019)

EXHIBITIONS:

Cluster London: 1st-5th May 47 Tanner St London (2019)

Thought Bubble- Town Hall-Leeds (2018)

BCU Illustration Postgraduate Show - Parkside Campus, Birmingham (2017)

New Designers 2016 - Business Design Centre, London (2016)

BCU Illustration Graduate Show - Parkside Campus, Birmingham (2016)

Parallax Art Fair- Chelsea Old Town Hall, London (2016)

Bristol Comic and Zine Fair - The Station-Bristol (2015)

MCM Comic Conventions- London, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast and Glasgow. (2014 - present)

KPMG "Success of the West Midlands" Exclusive Photography exhibition- Birmingham (2013)

Skills

After Effects, Cartooning, Character Design, clip studio, Digital Art, Flash, Illustration, Photoshop, Storyboarding

Sector Experience

character design, drawing, GIFs, Illustration, motion graphics

Clients

Fearless Femme, Yap Books