Ray Thornett is a queer illustrator from Birmingham, UK. They have been working as a freelance Illustrator since 2019, when they graduated from the University of South Wales with a BA(Hons) in Illustration.
They create work inspired by all things esoteric, cryptic and spooky, that blends the eerie with cult modern iconography. Inspired by medieval woodcut etchings, their art pulls inspiration from folklore, religious mysticism, and gothic elements, channelling their fascination with the sacred and the strange.
The artist formally known as Rachel Ford/rfordjpg.
CV
Projects
2025. 3DTotal, An Artist’s Guide to Tarot, Publication
2024. Netflix, Various Poster Designs for Geeked Week 24
2023-24. Molly House, Creative Direction, Game Art and Graphic Design for the Board Game from Wehrlegig Games
2022-23. Borough Bound, Character design work for Table Top Role Playing Game
2022-24. Two Headed Alien, Creative Direction, Game Art and Animation for the game Project Diagnosis
2020. Ariel View, Various Album Artworks
2020. Codipais, Illustration for publication
2020. Arthole Publication
2019. Lab22, Pioneers + Revolutionaries Cocktail Menu
2019. Printhaus, Risograph Print for Crowdfunding Campaign
2017. BBC, Welsh Women
Exhibitions
2025. Trans Pride Art Show, Birmingham
2021. Illustration, Umbrella, Cardiff
2019. Magic, The Sho Gallery, Cardiff
2019. Export As, Sustainable Studio, Cardiff
2018. Nostalgia, The Sho Gallery, Cardiff
2017. M(.)ist, Queer Women in Art, Manchester
2017. RHS Flower Show, Cardiff
Events
2026. MegaCon Live, London
2025. BlueMoon Markets, Birmingham
2024. AnimeCon, Birmingham
2023. Bristol Alternative Market, Coventry
2023. Bristol Alternative Market, Bristol
2022-2021. Pride Comic Art Festival, Bristol
2022. Love Sux, Bristol
2021. Creators Market, Strange Brew, Bristol
2019. Arthole, Cardiff
2019. Christmas Faire by Cat’s Craft, Cardiff
2019. Illustration & Indie Publishing Faire, Cardiff