Simona De Leo

I'm a freelance illustrator and an excellent visual communicator, able to condense feelings and emotions into just a few lines.

Based in London, I mainly work in Editorial, Publishing, and illustration for the web. I have worked for several publishers and clients worldwide but I also love to work on my own projects and collaborate with other illustrators and writers.

Being originally from Puglia, the Heel of Italy, I’m in love with the sun and the sea, which I really miss sometimes, and I recall their beauty in my illustrations with an energetic use of yellow and turquoise.Working with both digital and classic watercolour techniques, I like to combine the two and develop a unique and bold style.I like to illustrate characters who are daydreaming, enjoying the moment, feeling good about themselves, and I love to transform these good feelings into illustrations and communicate them to those who look at my work.I particularly love to illustrate everything connected to women's empowerment, gender equality, and diversity. 

When I’m not working you can find me in one of the many jazz venues around London, with my sketchbook and my dancing shoes. In fact, my passion for old jazz and swing dance gives a touch of vintage flavour to my colour palette and style.

is one of my favourite things! So I started teaching illustration on the global e-learning platform Skillshare with my debut class ‘How to transform emotion into illustration’, receiving a great response and really positive feedback on my teaching technique.​​​​​​​ 

I'm also a proud member of @thewomenwhodraw, @cluster__illustration and @theaoi, all of which promote diversity, equality and community.