Laluna Dale-Thomas
Laluna is an illustrator whose playful, expressive style draws deeply from her Japanese and Welsh heritage. Growing up in the rural landscapes of West Wales, she was shaped by a rich blend of cultural influences that continue to inform her creative voice. Her work celebrates diversity through bold colour, dynamic composition, and a strong sense of narrative, often exploring themes of identity, belonging, and community. Laluna studied Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts (UAL), where she further developed her distinctive visual language and passion for storytelling. Today, her illustrations reflect both the simplicity of her countryside upbringing and the complexity of her multicultural background.
So far...
2005-2007
Nany-y-Cwm
Steiner School
Pembrokeshire
In my early childhood at a Steiner school kindergarten, my days were shaped by wet-painting with primal colours, bread making, making gnomes and dolls from natural materials, daily woodland walks, storytelling, and singing. This gentle, imaginative environment laid the foundation for my lifelong love of handmade art and nature-inspired storytelling.
2007-2020
Local Welsh Schools 🏴
Raised in the heart of rural West Wales, I grew up immersed in the Welsh language, attending local Welsh-speaking primary and secondary schools (yes, I’m a proud Welsh speaker!). Along the way, I crossed paths with a few amazing art teachers whose passion and guidance inspired me to pursue art more seriously.
2020-2021
Gap Year as the pandemic hits the world...
As the pandemic began to unfold, I made a last-minute decision to take a gap year—a chance to pause and adapt in uncertain times. I worked as a key worker during those challenging months, an experience that grounded me and gave me a new perspective. After saving up, I travelled through South America for a few months, a journey that truly opened my eyes and changed the way I see the world.
2022-2025
Coleg Sir Gar
(Foundation Art)
UAL/Camberwell College of Arts
(BA/Hons Illustration)
I prepared my portfolio at Coleg Sir Gâr in Wales and worked hard to develop my skills. That effort led me to UAL’s Camberwell College of Arts in London, where I’m now studying Illustration BA (Hons). Moving to the city was a big challenge at first, but I’ve come to really enjoy the energy and opportunities that life in London offers.
Every day brings something new—and I’m soaking it all up and sketching as I go!