Artist's Note

My name is Hannah Rich and I work as a freelance illustrator, artist and creative in the small, coastal city of Sunderland, England. In 2017, I graduated from University of Sunderland with a First Class Honours B.A. in Illustration and Design.

Since then, I have been commissioned by Gateshead College, Hope Street Xchange and countless private clients across the U.K. and America, all with glowing, 5-star reviews. My art focuses on detail and realism. Primarily, I use graphite pencils to create clean, polished illustrations entirely by hand. I adore a black and white palette because, to me, it looks more graceful and striking. It also reflects my love for vintage aesthetics which have always been a major source of inspiration to me.

As a teenager, I was a passionate performer who was utterly enthralled by old Hollywood. When I wasn't dancing in a show, I was singing blue-eyed soul with my band. Although I said goodbye to the stage, I put all of my creativity onto paper; and here we are. Feel free to stay awhile and look around.

⟢ SHOWS ⟣

2019 — The Customs House, South Shields
Group show, The Takeover Exhibition

​2019 — Hope Street Xchange, Sunderland
Solo show, International Women's Day 2019
​
2018 — Hilton Hotel Newcastle Gateshead
Solo show, North East Equality Awards 2018

2018 — ​Bob Abley Art Gallery, Spennymoor
Group show, Various works for sale

2017 — CitySpace, University of Sunderland
Group show, Design Degree Show 2017

2016 — Design Centre, University of Sunderland
Group show, Integrated Creativity Exhibition

2015 to 2019 — Barca Art Bar, Tynemouth
Group show, Various works for sale

2012 to 2013 — Arts Centre Washington
Group show, Youth Arts Exhibition 2012

⟢ NOTABLE COLLECTORS ⟣​

  • Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California
  • Trades Union Congress, Congress House, London
  • Kingwood, Houston, Texas​
  • Newcastle College, Newcastle
  • University of Sunderland, Sunderland

⟢ CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS ⟣​

  • Comedian B.J. Novak
  • Comedian Seth Rogen
  • Supermodel Tyra Banks
  • Ancestry UK
  • Broadway star Billy Porter
  • Performer ​Erika Jayne
  • Singer Sandi Thom

⟢ PRESS ⟣

26 Aug 2019 — ArtyParti, Spark Sunderland
Listen: 'Dogs & Dead People: Establishing a Creative Career'
Live radio interview presented by Jay Sykes

30 May 2019 — University of Sunderland
Read: ''From Tyra Banks to Seth Rogan, this University of Sunderland graduate is impressing the stars'

28 May 2019 — Sunderland Echo
Read: 'Sunderland illustrator captures attention of celebrities including Tyra Banks & Seth Rogan'
Printed as a double-page spread, pgs. 8-9

2 Mar 2019 — Harpy Magazine
Read: 'Celebrate International Women’s Day with Hannah Rich, The Red Box Project & Smart Works'

1 Aug 2017 — Aesthetica Magazine
Printed: Artists' Directory, Issue 78, pg. 156

10 May 2017 — Sunderland Vibe
Link expired: 'Sunderland Illustrator Celebrates Ethnic Diversity'

​7 May 2017 — 103.4 Sun FM
Radio interview presented by Josie Amies
Link expired: 'The Sunderland illustrator looking to unite our kingdom'