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The Last Leaf

Anthony Read

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I'm an illustrator and graphic designer based in South East London. My personal work explores portraiture and abstract imagery, drawing inspiration from femininity, cultural expression, and queer identity. I aim to create visually engaging work that reflects the richness and complexity of the communities and themes that inspire me

I'm an illustrator and graphic designer based in South East London. My personal work explor...

The last leaf is a gentle, illustrated story for children aged 4–10. It follows the quiet journey of a lone leaf clinging to a nearly bare tree in late autumn. As the last of his friends drift away on the wind, he is left with an aching sense of loneliness and confusion. Through tender encounters with the changing world around him, he begins to understand the cycles of nature and the emotions of grief. This heartfelt story helps young readers explore themes of loss, acceptance, and the quiet beauty of letting go. As part of the project, I created a series of digital collages and prints that reflected the events of the story, visually enhancing the emotional journey and deepening its message through layered imagery.

Final work

A surreal blue and white image with a dramatic mask, digital glitches, and bold text reading "THE LAST LEAF" in distorted letters.

The Last Leaf Cover

Looking up through tall, dark tree trunks towards a blue sky, with layered, painterly textures resembling leaves and light.

"In a forest so lively, so bright, and so bold"

Five cute, green leaves with expressive faces float joyfully around a purple cratered moon against a starry night sky

"Had they jumped across the moon?"

image from the project

Research and process

An abstract, digitally altered print with dominant blues and yellows, featuring a leafless tree that appears to be melting or dripping, creating a sur
A hot air balloon drifting across the sky, with its basket overflowing with colourful leaves, floating gently through the air.

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The Last Leaf

The last leaf is a gentle, illustrated story for children aged 4–10. It follows the quiet journey of a lone leaf clinging to a nearly bare tree in late autumn. As the last of his friends drift away on the wind, he is left with an aching sense of loneliness and confusion. Throu...

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