Fried Cactus is an independent illustration studio, specialising in simple, bold hand-drawn, concept and story-led commercial illustration.
Founded by UK-based freelance illustrator Aron Leah, the studio works with brands and creative agencies worldwide across branding, packaging, advertising campaigns and editorial publications.
Every project starts with understanding what needs to be communicated. Through observation, storytelling and thoughtful visual ideas, Aron creates distinctive illustrations that feel human and connect with people.
Aron's ability to capture our brand's voice has been one of the greatest reasons his designs resonates so well with our consumer. This is no easy task but Aron nails it every time.
Adam Weaver Creative Manager New Balance
Process:
Every project starts with understanding what needs to be communicated.
From there I develop ideas through writing, sketching and iteration. Then refining concepts until they’re simple, clear and ready to be used across brand and product.
Clients
SumUp | Nissan | New Balance | AFC Bournemouth | Under Consideration | Barratt Sweets
Gozney | Passenger | Kimberly-Clark | University of Southern California
London College of Contemporary Arts | Stance Socks | Levis | Osprey | Deus Ex Machina | YKK
DSS Games | Saxx Underwear | Lush Cosmetics | Bumble | New Era | Roark Revival | Dot Dash Meredith | Fast Company | Dribbble | Foundation Coffee Roasters | The Hoxton | Aragon Properties
MarketAxess | Lumen Learning | Domestika | Motif
Agency Clients
Pentagram | Pearlfisher | Darling | Creech | B+B | The Foundry | Creative Spark | Magpie |
Bielke & Yang | Sockeye | Fishfinger | Series Eight | Free Agency | Almighty | Mega | Squero
Editorial
The New Scientist | USC Inspire | Fast Company
About Aron
I’m Aron Leah, the illustrator behind Fried Cactus Studio. With over 15 years in the creative industry. I bring curiosity, clear thinking and a distinctive hand-drawn style to every project.
My ideas often start with everyday observations. The things people do, the situations we recognise and the humour tucked into ordinary life. I enjoy finding an unexpected way to communicate something familiar.
Working with me means working directly with the person developing the ideas and drawing the artwork, from our first conversation through to delivery.
I regularly write about the role of illustration in branding, taste and authorship here.
