Holly Alp was born in England, Surrey 1983.

Artist and book illustrator, Holly has worked on a large range of projects, interpreting people's visions and ideas by bringing them to life using a talent she has possessed and developed from a very young age.

Growing up Holly was strongly influenced by her surroundings, finding inspiration in the ancient woodlands, landscapes, films, and even certain music scores.  After attending art college Holly was offered a place at Kingston University but chose a more adventurous, and perhaps less conventional career path with her alternative interest– photography.  For the next several years Holly expanded her skills in the trade and in Photoshop, learning hundreds of techniques that could be incorporated into and combined with her own work.  In the coming years Holly switched to working part time, taking private commissions that consisted of wonderful dragons, beasts and fantasy paintings using both traditional and the new technical mediums.  Following her success Elysium Rain was launched and linked to several other sites.  Since then Holly has achieved acclaim being placed in The Masters of Fantasy III, Leading Edge magazine and top ten on the Association of Illustrators board along with numerous other achievements.

In late 2004, Holly’s family moved to Spain, and she made the decision move to Spain with her family. Though the first year was a struggle, new house, surroundings, learning the language and integrating into the colourful local community, Holly soon met and befriended both English and Spanish people.  Not limiting herself solely to illustration, Holly accepted commissions using her photography and computer skills.  Some of these include the brochure design for the Millennium City Academy, flyers for the local BnBs and the graphic design and lettering of several local shops and businesses. 

At present, Holly still lives in Spain.  Around working on commissions and illustrating the new book Alex and Friends, Holly is working on pursing her life’s dream of having her own fantasy novel. A story derived from the unusual happenings and life she’s had whilst living in Spain, featuring her illustrations and characters she has always wanted to elaborate on.