Hi there!

I’m Alison Solano

I create detailed, story-riches illustrations for dioceses, church events, and families. Inspired by faith and community life, my work brings together colour, warmth, and meaningful moments into scenes that feel joyful and grounded.

Diocese of Exeter | Thank you card 26

Each year, the Diocese of Exeter sends a postcard as a thank you to churches that contribute to the Common Fund.
This year’s illustration is inspired by the PRAY. GROW. SERVE. 2035 vision and its five key areas of focus. The artwork is divided into sections, each one representing a different aspect of that vision; from supporting and releasing clergy for mission, to empowering lay disciples, nurturing children, young people and families, encouraging new growth through planting and pioneering, and reimagining the Church’s presence in Plymouth.
Together, these elements form a unified picture of a Church looking ahead with purpose, rooted in community and open to growth.

Diocese of Exeter | Mission Resources

This illustration was created for the Mission Resources team, with a focus on expressing church community and generosity.
It also draws on Devon’s countryside landscapes, reflecting a visual thread that runs across the Diocese’s artwork and connects the work to its local context.
The piece has been used across a range of materials, including introduction cards, event banners, and digital content for social media and webpages.

Diocese of Exeter | Meet the Funders 26

This illustration was developed for the Diocese of Exeter’s Mission Resources team as part of the “Meet the Funders” event branding.
The event gathers church treasurers and clergy to connect with local and national grant funders. The artwork highlights the different types of support available; from building projects to environmental and community initiatives, reflecting the breadth of church life and mission.
It is used across a range of event materials, forming a cohesive visual identity for the programme.

Diocese of Exeter | Common Fund leaflet 25

Each year, the Diocese of Exeter produces a booklet for churches explaining the Common Fund, including how contributions are calculated, how funds are allocated, and key financial updates.
The design combines illustration with diocesan photography to create a clear and engaging publication. Handwritten-style titles are used throughout to add visual interest and improve accessibility for readers.
The overall aim is to present detailed information in a format that is both informative and approachable.

Diocese of Exeter | Thank you card 25

This illustration builds on the front cover of the Common Fund booklet, completing the other half of the tree.
The composition highlights the different people and ministries supported by the Common Fund. Including clergy, lay ministers, education, and those working with children and families.
It offers a visual way of expressing how shared giving sustains many aspects of church life, bringing them together within one connected image.

Diocese of Exeter | Thank you card 24

Created as the Diocese of Exeter’s 2024 thank you card, this illustration brings together Devon’s landmarks, natural beauty, and church life.
Alongside recognisable places, it includes small glimpses of ministry and community, reflecting the life of the Diocese.
The artwork was shared with parishes, printed and framed as a gift for new Bishops, and even adapted onto edible paper for a celebratory cake.

Diocese of Exeter | Barnstaple Archdeaconry

Created after the Devon map, this illustration follows a similar style but concentrates on Barnstaple.
Local landmarks and scenes are depicted to celebrate the area’s churches and treasurers, providing a more focused perspective.
It maintains the same visual language as the Devon map while shining a light on one part of the Diocese in detail.

St Barnabas North London | Vision 2030

In 2024, St Barnabas commissioned an illustration to bring their Vision 2030 to life for their congregation.
The artwork weaves the six key interventions into the form of a building, creating a visual metaphor for how their plans come together to shape church life.
The illustration has been applied across leaflets, banners, cups, and fridge magnets, making the vision tangible in both everyday objects and church materials.

St Barnabas North London | Vision 2030 High road

As part of St Barnabas’ Vision 2030, the illustration also highlights the church’s intended impact within the community.
The project also included icons representing different actions that congregants can do to join in the vision. This icons provided a visual language that now it is used across various church initiatives.
The combination of the building and icons creates a cohesive image that communicates both vision and action.

St Barnabas North London | Christmas 25

This illustration was created around the theme of finding, with a focus on three key ideas: finding wonder, finding joy, and finding hope.
The composition uses winding paths to guide the viewer through the landscape, each representing one of these themes. Along these paths, figures from the Christmas story are depicted as they journey in search of Jesus.
At the centre of the image is the nativity scene, representing the core message: that in finding Jesus, these deeper experiences of wonder, joy, and hope are also found.
The artwork supports the retelling of the Christmas story through the perspective of those who were seeking and ultimately discovering Christ.

St Barnabas North London | Christmas 24

This illustration explores the theme of Jesus as the light of the world, bringing light into darkness.
The image uses a glowing light bulb as a central metaphor, with a path of people moving within it, drawn towards the light and then carrying it forward.
It reflects both the message of Christ coming into the world and the call for others to share that light in their everyday lives.

St Barnabas North London | Christmas 23

Inspired by John 3:16, this illustration explores the theme of God’s love for the world through Christ.
The composition brings together key elements of the story, from the nativity to the cross, alongside the image of the world, connecting the beginning of Jesus’ life with its purpose.
Reaching hands introduce a sense of invitation and response, reinforcing the central message: that this story is personal, Jesus is for you.

St Matt’s Exeter | Christmas 23

This illustration was created for St Matt’s Exeter and brings together well-known landmarks from across the city.
It includes a selection of church buildings, the quay, and St Matt’s itself, with added seasonal details like pine trees to give a Christmas feel.
The piece connects the message of Emmanuel “God with us” with a specific place, grounding the Christmas story in the life of the local community.

St Barnabas North London | Easter 25

This illustration explores the Easter theme “Hope Remains”.
Focusing on the empty tomb and the emerging light, the piece reflects the movement from darkness to hope at the heart of the resurrection story. Elements of nature are included to echo themes of renewal and new life.The artwork reflects the enduring hope at the heart of the Easter story.

St Barnabas North London | Easter 24

Centred on the Easter proclamation “He is risen”, this illustration captures the moment where darkness gives way to light.
A rising sun breaks over the landscape, casting warmth across the mountains and signalling a new beginning. The scene holds a sense of stillness and anticipation, the quiet yet powerful turning point of the resurrection.
It reflects the hope and renewal at the heart of Easter, where life overcomes death.

People portraits

Alongside my commissioned work, I also enjoy creating illustrations of real people.
These portraits focus on moments of celebration, family life, and connection, capturing meaningful occasions in a personal and expressive way.

Hey! I’m Alison

I’m originally from Colombia and have been living in the UK for nearly ten years. I’m married to a Polish Church of England priest, and together we have a lovely one-year-old daughter. We’re currently based in Devon, though I’ve lived in several cities across the UK over the years.
I work part-time for the Diocese of Exeter, and in the in-between moments of life (usually dictated by our little one!), I love to illustrate, spend time with my family, see friends, watch something easy, and enjoy a really good meal.
I also love powerlifting, a proper chewy bubble tea, authentic food, watching sunsets (and the occasional sunrise), walking in the forest, and going on a good road trip.

More about my creative journey

My journey with illustration began while I was working full-time in a church in North London, where I started an Etsy shop called Be Salt Designs, creating Christian home décor prints.
After a year, I realised that although I enjoyed it, my creativity felt a little restricted, and I wasn’t creating in the way I wanted to.
Since then, I’ve found that I really enjoy working on commissions. I love being part of a project, collaborating with people, and developing ideas together until we arrive at something we’re both genuinely happy with.