About The Artist

C.C.J. Ellis is a fantasy illustrator and Author from Bangor, North Wales. Their work is inspired by fantasy and mythology, drawing inspiration from ancient cultures and a variety of countries. They work mainly with pen, ink and watercolour and occasionally use Photoshop and ProCreate. 

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‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.R.Tolkien was one of Ellis' favourite books as a child and they later fell in love with the artwork involved in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movies. Inspiring them to peruse a career in art. 

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The work of Japanese film director Hayao Miyazaki and the Avatar The Last Airbender universe have also had an enormous influence on the style and themes of Ellis' work. 

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Ellis attended Glyndwr University in Wrexham and achieved a Masters in Design Communication. They have exhibited at various conventions across the UK; including London, Manchester and Cardiff. In October 2016 they opened their third solo exhibition in the Oriel Yuys Mon on Anglesey and have launched several successful Kickstarters, one of which lead to the publication of their first book 'Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts', which explores the creatures of Welsh folklore. 

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Over the years Ellis has worked on numerous publications for authors and album covers for musicians. They have also worked for ‘The Knight Shop’, suppliers of Disney and Game of Thrones and for the British Heritage Societies, producing decorative parts for swords and armour.

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In the past Ellis has been featured in several online blogs and magazines, including Imagine FX Magazine and Y Lle’ on Welsh TV channel S4C. They have also taken part in a one to one Podcast with 'Pencil Kings' and appeared on the BBC 'Wales Today' Show.

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​In their spare time Ellis an active member of their local H.E.M.A (Historical European Martial Arts) group, and has a passion for mountain rambling, herpetology and animal rescue.