Ellice Defranco

Hi! My name is Ellice (pronounced Ell-is, not Elise). I’m a self taught artist and illustrator who is just a teeny bit obsessed with animals. Don’t ask me if I’m a cat or a dog person: the answer is both!!

I have loved animals ever since I was young and really struggled to understand why other kids found it fun to play with worms like they didn’t have feelings (I know not many will relate to that part). I have always been an emotional person and making friends with animals just seemed to… calm that side of me down.

As a teenager I struggled pretty intensely with my mental health and if it wasn’t for my cat Scooby and my dog Fluke, I’m not sure how I would have coped. During that time I liked to use art as an outlet for my emotions, but whenever I expressed a desire to take my art practise more seriously I was mocked and told I wasn’t good enough and that I should choose something else.

A whole psychology degree later, here I am. I try not to live my life in regret, and so I don’t regret that its taken me until now to start living my dream. Ever since I started sharing my art online I have made connections and friends that have lifted me up and encouraged me to keep going. My mental health is better than it has ever been and for the first time I actually feel proud of how far I have come (as you all should too!)

I’m so grateful for the support everyone gives me and for the ways that art has changed my life. As always, if you want to chat please feel free to reach out on social media or drop a line at artist.ellice@gmail.com

Thank you for reading <3