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An illustration of a person’s torso and upper leg from the side. They are wearing bright blue underwear against a pale, dotted background.

Cheeky and voluptuous editorial illustrations from Josh McKenna 

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Date
26 January 2016

London-based illustrator Josh McKenna’s vibrant editorial work with pastel-hued tropical vibes has us dreaming of warmer days. It’s only been two years since Josh graduated from Falmouth, which is when we last featured him on the site, but already it feels as though the illustrator has hit his stride creating work for GQ, Wired, Refinery29 and The Observer as well as big brands like Converse and MTV.

Minimally designed but full of voluptuously, curved characters, Josh’s work focuses less on the details and more on asymmetric shapes in pleasing compositions. From big scenes to abstract patterns, Josh’s work is strongest when depicting people, most notably semi-naked and sunbathing. Tan lines and bodacious booties are rife in his portfolio but this fun, cheeky approach gives Josh’s stylised worlds personality. 

An illustration of several hands with brightly coloured nails reaching towards a smartphone screen. The screen displays a grid of colourful app icons featuring scientific and technical symbols. Below the phone, three figures in suits are partially visible behind large, white abstract shapes.
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Josh McKenna: Télérama

An illustration of two glossy, pink, rounded figures set against a textured green background. One figure features the Mtv logo on its side.
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Left

Josh McKenna: MTV Snapchat

An illustration of a bright green tennis ball resting on a pale yellow court line. Three white wavy lines float above the ball against a textured green background.
An illustration of people relaxing on sun loungers beneath a canopy of palm trees. The image uses a limited palette of red, orange and white.
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Josh McKenna: Tan & Loose Press

An illustration of a swimming pool in front of a pink building with a clock. Three figures relax by the water, one floating in the pool and two lounging on the deck.
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Josh McKenna: Converse HQ

An illustration of three figures lounging on a turquoise patterned surface. A central figure in a pink top holds a yellow notebook, flanked by two other figures in red and white clothing.
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Josh McKenna: Refinery29

An illustration of a person in a pink bikini, seen from the shoulders down. They are posed amidst a dense pattern of teal and yellow palm fronds.
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Josh McKenna: Myself Magazine

An illustration of two people dancing in a stylised club. One person wears a red T-shirt and holds a glass, while the other wears a cream outfit and raises an arm.
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Josh McKenna: easyJet magazine

An illustration of a person’s curved body, rendered in soft peach and cream gradients. They are set against a bright blue background with a yellow palm leaf in the top corner.
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Josh McKenna: Myself Magazine

A flat illustration of a person with long yellow hair wearing a red dress, sitting at a table. They hold a small card while surrounded by plates of food, including beans and dark berries.
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Josh McKenna: Refinery29

An illustration of two people sitting on a set of grey stairs, each holding a cup of coffee. They are rendered in a flat, geometric style with a palette of red, white and turquoise.
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Josh McKenna: Refinery29

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About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

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Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

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