April 11, 2019 5.05 pm This story is over 59 months old

Lincoln artist illustrates reality TV star’s autobiography

She now has her own local design business

Lincoln artist and designer Eleanor Hancock. Photo: Eleanor Hancock/What Would Dani Do? By Dani Dyer

A 41-year-old artist from Lincoln was commissioned to illustrate the debut autobiography of reality TV star Dani Dyer.

Mum-of-three Eleanor Hancock, who lives off Skellingthorpe Road, created dozens of line drawings and sketches for the Love Island favourite’s new book ‘What Would Dani Do?’.

Dani details her life before the show and covers her experience of growing up and relationships in the book. She also talks about being the daughter of soap star Danny Dyer.

Eleanor used a mixture of hand drawn portraiture and painting that she brought together on the computer to create the final pieces. She then added hand written text when needed.

An example of the artwork in the book. Photo: Eleanor Hancock/What Would Dani Do? By Dani Dyer

Eleanor secured the job through London-based Bright Art Agency. The book went on sale in shops and online this month. She attended the official book launch in London where she met Dani and Danny.

The former pupil of North Kesteven School in North Hykeham said: “The whole thing has been amazing – from getting the initial commission to attending the book launch part.

More of Eleanor’s artwork. Photo: Eleanor Hancock/What Would Dani Do? By Dani Dyer

“Although I have a broad background in illustration, my previous work has mainly been in fashion design and product and packaging design for the greetings industry.

“Coincidentally, last year was the first year I watched Love Island. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and I have to say, I fell for the programme completely. I ended up watching every episode.  I even wanted Jack and Dani to win, although at the time, I didn’t know I would end up illustrating Dani’s book!”

Eleanor Hancock with Dani Dyer and Danny Dyer.

Eleanor gained a first class degree in Printed Textiles from Loughborough University. She worked in the fashion industry for 10 years selling her designs internationally to several fashion houses.

She moved into the greetings and gift industry and has appeared in numerous publications including Elle and Vogue Girl.

Eleanor moved back to Lincolnshire where she now owns her own design business based in Nettleham – Number 75 design – with her husband Matt.

She added: “Without doubt the best part of my job is not knowing what the next project to land on my desk will be. I have designed for so many different names, creating artwork for so many different outcomes and businesses over the past twenty years.

“I have worked with high fashion labels to high street brands, the big supermarkets to independent gift shops, product design and packaging to bespoke artwork for private clients and it has never been boring.”