Luke McConkey
Illustrator
In their own words
A lot of it comes from not thinking too much about each individual. I'll let the pencil start moving and when a bit of shape starts to form, get into the detail.
It's about staying true to what you and the client want to do rather than playing shadow games to manoeuvre around competition and what's come before.
You don't want adults thinking it looks too childish and vice versa.
I'd love to work on something in the fantasy/sci-fi space.
I try to see the world in a positive light because – and not to get all existential on you – it's all a bit mad, isn't it?
Jobs like this, where the brief matches your personality, are just a delight.
Life is magic. We're constantly being shown the bad side of life, and it can be really bad. I just want to make the most of my time whizzing round the sun, and I hope I can spread as much love and smiles to folks I come into contact with.
I just kind of let things start happening, much like when you're at a festival.
Articles & interviews3
- Harriet Richardson on leaving design after a chance ex-boss encounter
Illustrator Luke McConkey discusses creating game box art and characters for Alley Cat Games' drawing-and-guessing party game, What The Sketch?. He describes an intuitive pencil-led character process, the challenge of appealing to children and adults alike, and the importance of making distinctive work rather than reacting strategically to crowded retail shelves.
- Embracing the positive with illustrator Luke McConkey
Creative Boom profiles Liverpool-based illustrator Luke McConkey, whose upbeat, cartoon-inspired style has attracted major clients like Nike, Costa Coffee, and the LA Times. The article explores his journey from design agencies to full-time illustration, his inspirations from 1990s animation and ligne claire, and his mission to spread positivity through art. Represented by Handsome Frank, McConkey’s work blends humour, colour, and optimism across editorial, commercial, and cultural projects.
- Brands Embrace Illustration for Storytelling in 2025