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InspirationIllustration

Perry Rowe's emotive illustrations convey the impact of major life changes

Winner of a D&AD New Blood Yellow Pencil and shortlisted for an AOI World Illustration Award, London-based designer and Illustrator Perry Rowe has been making waves and winning fans since graduating from Arts University Bournemouth in 2017.

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Man in white shirt standing alone by a green fence against a pink sky with white clouds

Alongside his design practice, which has seen him gain experience at studios including AKQA, Pentagram, NB Studio, GBH, MultiAdaptor and Alphabetical, Rowe also pursues illustration to communicate his ideas and personal experiences through the combination of textural and digital techniques.

Here we've featured a series of illustrations that focus on observations of solitude and feelings of isolation during a period of change in a person's life. These images are at once simple and surreal, and bold and entrancing, all adding up to a strong point of view that never fails to land an emotional punch.

Minimalist line drawing of a figure hanging from a clothesline strung with black garments against a pink background
Black silhouette figure with arms raised against bright yellow background, with sweeping black brushstrokes flowing from the figure's limbs
A figure with dark hair in a white shirt hugs themselves with their arms crossed against a teal background, their face obscured by their own embrace
Black and white comic strip showing six panels depicting people isolated with technology and nature during periods of solitude and change
A solitary silhouetted figure stands at the centre surrounded by five large open heads rendered in coral and black, illustrating themes of isolation and introspection
Three silhouetted figures interact with towering stacked barcode strips against a beige background, representing isolation and disconnection during life changes
Person in blue jacket pulling a string attached to red balloon animal against pale pink background
Minimalist illustration of a pink figure in profile against a dark blue background, with simple line details suggesting facial features and a green line down the body
A lone figure in black stands among multiple purple feather shapes on a grey background, conveying isolation and solitude
Tall figure in dark clothing standing alone against a light background, from Perry Rowe's illustration series on solitude and life changes
Person in yellow beanie and black coat stands at a bus stop looking at a transit sign against a city skyline
A person on their knees holds up another figure on their shoulders, stacked precariously as a small child reaches upwards toward a mobile hanging above, all rendered in soft pink and earth tones against a pale yellow background
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