REPORT
Over the years Eleanor Davis has made a name for herself in her unflinching, occasionally bleak, frequently
humorous depictions of difficult subjects. These range from 2014’s How To Be Happy comics exploring
the multifariousness of depression to 2017’s You & A Bike & A Road, an illustrated metaphor of cycling
as pedalling toward better mental health. Last year saw the launch of the illustrator’s “biggest and most
ambitious project” yet: graphic novel The Hard Tomorrow, in which the central couple navigates trying to build a
better future world in a futile present.
Eleanor says that while she’s relishing the chance to get back into working on editorial illustration commissions, and
is developing a children’s book, she ultimately hopes to be able to take on a similarly large-scale personal piece in the
future. “I think being honest with yourself and bravely delving into whatever preoccupies you is the only way to make
good work,” she says. “Be true to yourself. Figure out how to be happy and have fun. There are easier ways to get love
and money, so if you aren’t having a good time you should try to rearrange your life and work process so you’re having
fun, or you should quit.”
doing-fine.comEleanor Davis
PRESENTING A COLOURFUL SPIN ON THE HUMAN CONDITION