Nic Squirrell

Nic Squirrell's Illustration Style

Squirrell's work combines the textural warmth of traditional watercolour with the flexibility of digital illustration, creating images that feel handmade and characterful. Her subjects — birds with outsized personality, animals that seem to be mid-thought, nature scenes with a storybook quality — are rendered with a light touch that avoids preciousness. The watercolour washes provide a soft, organic base, while digital layering adds detail, pattern, and the occasional surprise of colour that lifts each piece beyond simple illustration.

There is genuine humour in this work, but it is gentle rather than loud. Her birds look slightly mischievous, her animals carry expressions that invite interpretation, and her landscape scenes have a dreamlike quality that feels like the opening page of a story you want to read. This blend of whimsy and technical skill makes the work appealing across ages — equally at home in a child's room, a living room, or a study. For more animal-themed artwork, explore our animal art prints collection, or browse our bird prints for more feathered subjects.

Choosing the Right Format

The watercolour textures and fine line work in Squirrell's illustrations are best served by fine art paper. Prints on 225g matte paper in A3, 50x70cm, 70x100cm, and A0 capture the delicate washes and detailed patterns with sharpness — preserving both the softness of the watercolour base and the crisp digital detail. Oak frames complement the warm, natural colour palette, while black frames create a clean graphic contrast that suits the more patterned pieces like Peace Doves. Canvas prints in 30x40cm, 50x70cm, and 70x100cm add a gentle surface texture that enhances the handmade quality of the watercolour work, giving illustrations a more tactile, painterly feel. An optional floating frame provides a gallery finish.

Styling Whimsical Illustration Art

Squirrell's prints bring charm and personality to any wall. Apple Medley makes a warm, colourful addition to a kitchen or dining area, while Peace Doves works beautifully in a living room or hallway. Group multiple pieces for an illustrated gallery wall with consistent framing, or pair with other contemporary art prints for an eclectic mix. The playful subjects and warm palette make these prints particularly effective in children's rooms, guest bedrooms, and creative spaces where character is welcome.

All prints are produced in our Berlin studio using archival pigment inks rated for 100+ years.