EJ Oakley (OS 2016)
LLB Law, University College London 2016–2019
Despite coming from a non-art background, I have
always been passionate about exploring and pushing
the boundaries of how illustration, graphic design and
storytelling can merge to ensure that a picture truly does
paint a thousand words. After completing a Law degree,
I am now pursuing a career as a comics creator, with
secondary freelance focuses in poster illustration and
character design.
My work mostly focuses on tackling important issues
through elements close to my heart. My first webcomic,
Sunbathing Animal, weaves punk rock lyrics with
atmospheric, dreamlike illustrations to elucidate the deeply
deceiving and sinister nature of abusive yet co-dependent
relationships. On the other hand, I also enjoy reinterpreting
and representing characters and concepts, from drawing
up character designs for my upcoming webcomic Kyriaki –
an LGBT+ cyberpunk retelling of the Greek myth of
Orpheus and Eurydice – to my poster work for musicians
of all genres.
Altogether, my illustration practice is not solely about
telling stories – I impart a little piece of myself in every
drawing; every panel – every piece I make is a love letter
to my passions and the people who love them.