Hi everyone! I’m Jen L’Italien, a Maine-based writer, mama, maker, potty training consultant (yes, that is a thing!), and longtime reader of OSBP (and fan of the lovely Nole and her crew). I’m so happy to be here on OSBP, with a column that scouts illustrators from around the world! For this month’s peek into The World of Illustration, I couldn’t resist rifting off all the unicorn love we’ve been seeing here on OSBP (because I live with a 5-year-old who believes unicorns reign supreme over mermaids, princesses, and sometimes even fairies.) So when I stumbled upon this unicorn illustration by UK-based illustrator and designer Emma Haines, I found my unicorn designing soul sister. Then low and behold, I discovered Emma Haines has a super illustration of a llama, a personal favorite four-legged creature. So let’s peek into the modern illustration world of Emma Haines of Cut and Stick Design and get transported to a magical land of cool design. – Jen

This illustration is called A Unicorn in a Terrarium, and I love how it’s modern, whimsical — with a spot-on color palette. By the way, if your small human is also obsessed with unicorns, I highly recommend the book Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal — it’s a really sweet tale all about the magic in believing what you haven’t yet seen.

This modern llama illustration is the bees-knees in my book. Sure, the illustration would be perfect for a child’s room, but honestly, I could picture it in a dreamy meditation room (complete with a colorful kilim rug in the space) or as part of a colorful gallery wall.

This double-decker bus illustration (so adorable for a nursery!) is a sweet nod to London. Emma currently designs giftware, gift wrap, and stationery for an art licensing company based in Nottingham. It’s clear to see how she’s inspired by color and children’s picture books.

This whimsical botanical illustration is called Inky Jungle Pattern and I would love to see it as a wallpaper in my bathroom (or a big print of it framed for the wall).

I imagine this illustration working in so many mediums — the perfect gift wrap for a housewarming gift, a whimsical wallpaper for a playroom, or as a fabric to add in some playful color to a child’s space.

And a sweet and snoozy cat seemed the right way to end this jaunt through the amazing work of UK illustrator Emma Haines. See you soon with a peek into the work of another talented gem in the illustration world!

Photo Credits: Cut and Stick Design and Emma Haines