Introducing Aisha Stoll, the winner of the 2024 FAB prize for publishing

Based in Hertfordshire England, Aisha Stoll's work spans from digital illustrations to paintings, and mixed media artworks. Her work is often colourful, playful and rooted in nature, lifestyle, health and portraiture.

Aisha has been illustrating since 2018 when undertaking a master’s in Urban Design and City Planning in London, this is where her interest and observation of places and people blossomed, and this has since become a key feature in her work.

In 2024 Aisha won the FAB prize and was recognised as a rising star within the publishing industry.

Here’s our Q&A below…

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?

Years ago now I did a series of illustrations based around the findings of a project that was looking into the mental health of university students within London. Although the style of illustration is much different to what I do now, it felt like a meaningful project due to the subject matter and I was glad that I could work on a project that would be beneficial for others.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I always come back inspired after going somewhere that’s different to my typical surroundings, so usually on holiday. The different architecture, colours, flora and fauna, food and just overall environment always get me thinking differently. It’s typically so grey here in England as well, so anywhere that’s also more sunny just puts me into a better frame of mind to be inspired.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

I’m a good advocate for slowing down and prioritising wellness and mental health. It’s something that impacts my life consistently so reminding people to take breaks or do something that brings you joy is something I always advocate for amongst my friends and family.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

Something I noticed is that people tend to comment a lot on my colour choices. Something about the combination of colours I chose seems to catch people's eyes and they tend to find them calming or dream like. Luckily I don’t have to put too much effort into choosing colours, they tend to come naturally, and sometimes I'll even base an entire illustration concept off of colours I see or think of, so I’m always happy that they resonate with people.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

Clients typically will either commission me for my landscapes or how I draw people (which is great because I love to illustrate both of these things)

How would you describe your style?

I always find this so difficult to describe! But as I mentioned before colour is a big factor in my illustrations, people have often told me my colour choices are quite calming and peaceful, so I find that even if my subject matter is varying, that sense of calm or peace, seems to come through regardless. Otherwise I tend to mix block colours with textured and detailed elements to create a fairly loose contemporary style, I try to have fun with most of my pieces, so I prefer to keep my illustrations more relaxed.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you.

I’m working on this type of project right now! It’s a children's activity book based around different artists, it includes different prompts and tasks to get children painting more like their favourite artists. Given the current climate with the rise of AI, it’s nice to work with a publisher that values promoting artistry to a younger generation.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

Currently, I’m having fun working on exploring mixed media more and how to combine my sketchbook work and paintings with my digital illustrations. I’m not sure what form this will take yet, but I'm excited to go along with the journey and find that out with time.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real-life person, who would that be?

I’ve been getting back into reading lately, so I’ve been reflecting a lot on the literature I read growing up, so I think I would like to illustrate a book about some of my favourite writers growing up - Malorie Blackman, Andrea Levy, Jacequline Wilson etc.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.