About

Working from her home studio in Hampshire, England,
Rachel Hudson creates illustrations that bring people closer to nature.

Rachel specialises in animal, wildlife and landscape images and has a long running interest in conservation issues. She has a passion for capturing the essence of a species and the spirit of a place in a way that encourages connection and a sense of belonging.

Her illustration experience covers publishing, editorial, and information illustration. More recently, it also includes narrative nonfiction children’s picture books.

Rachel has 10 years experience as a freelance illustrator. She has an MA in Illustration with full distinctions, from Falmouth University, as well a first class BA in the Anthropology of Art. This is underpinned by a background in conservation communication.

Away from the studio, Rachel is happiest marking the seasons where she lives, on the edge of the South Downs, with her husband, two sons and dog, Rosie.

Fun facts about Rachel:
She has built and paddled a Canadian canoe, named The Broad Bean, climbed 80ft up a Scot’s Pine to visit a crow’s nest, and made pilgrimages to some of the UK’s most rare and unusual wild orchids.

CONTACT
rhudsonillustration@gmail.com


Selected Clients

Badger Balm / Bat Conservation Trust
BBC Wildlife Magazine / Bloomsbury Publishing
Butterfly Conservation / Button Books
CuriOdyssey Science & Wildlife Center
Greystone Kids Books / National Trust
Otter House Ltd / Pelagic Publishing
Reader’s Digest / RSPB / Saga Magazine
Silver Birch Cards / Starfish Bay Publishing
The Simple Things / The Tree Council
The Wildlife Trusts / Zazous Editions

Professional Memberships

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI)

Illustrators For Hire, a curated list of 200 freelancers
‘Professional, Experienced, Trustworthy’

Guest Blogs, Interviews & Features

Cover art and five-page feature, Wildlife Imitating Art
Hampshire Life, December 2024

Interview with Candace Savage & Rachel Hudson
The Picture Book Buzz, October 2024

The Cover of Reflections
Mark Avery.info, July 2023

Words & Pictures Interview
Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators, 2022

Inspired by the Coast, six-page feature
Coast Magazine, May 2021

Illustrations With Impact
Conservation Optimism, 2021

Dunvegan Seals
Creative Howl, 2021

Talking All Things Furry & Clawed with Rachel Hudson
InspirationPrinted, 2019

Awards

National Runner Up (UK), Best Creative Business
The Rural Business Awards 2020

Regional Winner (South East & Greater London)
Best Creative Business, The Rural Business Awards 2020