Peter Ellis gained a degree in architecture, and worked for several London architectural practices, before returning to illustration, which he describes as his 'lifelong passion'.
As self-taught artist, Pete Ellis has been a professional illustrator since 1995, recalling that 'I got together a portfolio of illustrations joined the aoi [Association of Illustrators], got a few meetings with some art directors of magazines, and landed a job (front cover) with the first meeting! I think it was Law Society Gazette.' He has since worked for a range of clients including The Times, The Telegraph, The International Herald Tribune, The Mail on Sunday, The Guardian, The Independent, The FT, Tatler, and Mojo.
Ellis uses Google Images andFlickr for reference material. At first he used a dip pen for his caricatures and illustrations, but he now uses a Wacom Tablet, withPhotoshop and Illustrator.