Created by
Matthew
Frankenstein book illustrations by Matthew Broughton in Melbourne
Frankenstein book illustrations
complete series of illustrations for Mary Shelley’s timeless classic, Frankenstein. I was commissioned for this project by Stephen Hipkiss from Hipkiss Publishing.
From the start, my goal was to ignore the Hollywood clichés and dive deep into Shelley's original text. I wanted the illustrations to reflect a dark, Gothic atmosphere true to the novel's mood. My line drawing style was heavily inspired by the dramatic, expressive work of masters like Rembrandt and Goya, helping me capture that deep, emotional intensity.
The book's design centres on a few key motifs. The striking yellow on the cover is a nod to Shelley's description of the Creature's chilling "yellow eye." I used this colour to really pop against the black cover. This led to the creation of the yellow lightning bolt that runs down the cover—a shape that not only mirrors the Creature’s profile but also became the unifying "logo" repeated on the spine and endpapers.
Meet the Artist
Meet the Artist
Melbourne, AustraliaMatt: Bespoke Pencil Drawings & Fine Art Commissions
Capturing Homes, Histories, and Life’s Milestones
With over 25 years of experience as a Melbourne-based freelance illustrator and graphic artist, I specialise in creating heirloom-quality pencil drawings that preserve the things that matter most: your home, your family history, and your most cherished memories.
Art with a Hand-Drawn Soul
My practice is rooted in traditional craft—honed through decades of professional work and a foundation in linocut printmaking. When you commission a piece, you aren't just getting a drawing; you are getting a carefully considered work of art designed to last for generations.
What I Can Capture for You:
- Architectural Portraits: Detailed pencil drawings of your family home, first house, or a place of deep personal significance.
- Milestones & Memories: Commemorating weddings, anniversaries, or significant life events through figurative storytelling.
- Family History: Bringing old stories or heritage locations to life, bridging the gap between your analogue roots and the present day.
- Portraits & Personal Projects: Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a legacy piece for yourself, I work closely with you to ensure the "visual thread" of your story is captured perfectly.
The Collaborative Process
Commissioning art is a personal journey. I take a collaborative approach, working with your photos, stories, and requirements to find the artistic essence that makes them click. I am just as happy working from a grainy old photograph as from a modern brief, guiding you from the initial rough sketch through to a final original drawing, linocut, or artwork.
Melbourne Studio. Proud Member of Illustrators Australia. Available for bespoke commissions across Australia and globally.
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