ELEVEN SIX WOMEN | ELLA LOUDON
Photography by Nyra Lang | @nyralang
Meet Ella Loudon. Born in Edinburgh and raised between Glasgow and London, Ella now divides her time between New York, Scotland, and Hudson in upstate New York—a place she always returns to when she isn't traveling for work. She has built a creative life rooted in storytelling across multiple disciplines.
The daughter of actor Daniel Craig and musician and artist Harley Loudon, Ella grew up surrounded by theatre, music, film, and visual art. Yet she has forged a distinctly personal path as an actress, artist, model, writer, and producer. Whether developing a character through music and research, painting in private, or stepping onto a stage, her work is driven by curiosity, emotional depth, and a strong commitment to creative authorship.
We had the pleasure of spending an intimate and joyful afternoon with Ella in Hudson, discussing identity, community, artistic practice, and the places she calls home, while photographing her in some of her favorite knitwear pieces from the SS26 collection.
Ella wears the Freya Dress in Rosso
Can you share your background and training, and the journey that led you to become the artist, actress, and model you are today?
Goodness, my mum is a singer and artist and I grew up watching her in her magic so I think that's a big influence of what route I chose in life. My dad being an actor and again seeing him in his element made a significant impact too. I lived art sometimes, sleeping in a jazz club as my mum sang, watching my dad work on huge sets, sitting backstage of theaters hearing the reactions from the crowds and the adrenaline from the performers. We would go to art galleries and I would be given paper and colouring pencils and left to my own accord.
I have a distinct memory of watching Slava the Clown who is this amazing Russian performer, and as a child my mum took me to see him many times. I was so drawn to how this person with no words could create such emotions from the audience. From laughter to weeping, and how it was staged. I still remember the tingles I got when I first heard the dramatic Carmina Burana alongside seeing a snow storm. Storytelling at its best from a childs point of view.
My mums friend used to make silly videos of me on the camcorder playing make belief and I definitely liked to perform and maker people smile. I got a lead role when I was 11 in the year 6 production (end of primary school in UK) of Bugsy Malone- hilarious musical with kids playing adults and I was completely hooked from then on.
Modelling just happened. I did it commercially and that isn't any fun. I try and tell stories always now in photography- actually in any of my art.
There's a legacy attached to your name, but also a clear resistance to being defined by it—what did you have to unlearn to step into your own voice?
Have a community that grounds you and calls out the bullshit. Definitely. I am so proud of my dads accomplishments, but he is my dad not this character he became so strongly associated with, it was a job and it transformed our lives. He became 'famous' in my pre-teens so I was already trying to figure out who the hell I was and then I had a public opinion trying to define me. Puberty and a shift from state school to private and so a bit of a class culture change too. We had desperate neighbors who would talk to press and it became very isolating. I'm not trying to get pity or doing a 'woe is me', but trying to lay it out to how I had to go into this career with both eyes wide open as I already saw some of the reality. With a lot of positives there was an equal balance of negative. But storytelling is what I live for- always has been- so I was always going to head this way. I definitely didn't do it conventionally and only now in my 30s do I feel like I'm equipped for anything that comes. Community and learning trust and taking the time to explore who you are is fucking essential.
I use my mums last name which helps, I also think it flows better and also my grandpa only had sisters and daughters- I kinda like ensuring Loudon lives on!
Ella wears the Nina Polo in Ivory styled with her own skirt
You move fluidly between stage, screen, and image—how do you shift your mindset and approach across these different mediums?
I still struggle. I still feel so new to it all. In all there has to be discipline, a routine that includes really taking care of oneself and is scheduled strictly. I think with that groundwork you can figure it out as each project comes. Gotta be fluid like you said to be able to shift into a new being. Also separating oneself to the work. I think it's disrespectful to the people around me if I get so self-absorbed into the character that I can't be consistent for them and step out of it. There's a time to work, a time to play and then a time for stillness. This doesn't mean I don't let things bleed through. Like I said I live for it so I love where my dreams take me and waking up to new ideas or eureka moments. It’s exciting. A LOT of notes written everywhere when my mind sprouts.
Ella wears the Luna Cardi in Multi Color styled with her own skirt
Modeling and acting both involve being seen, but in very different ways. What have they taught you about control, authorship, and vulnerability?
Depends on the job. I've done a shoot and it has felt like a theatrical comedy and then shoots that are natural in both senses are similar. I will always find a character in all the jobs though. Externally it can be hard to ensure you are not just a 'muse' or 'figure' to manipulate and use. I think that is why I've learnt to have a present voice when coming to a project and unless there's a strong reason to do it, I won't do project where my input isn't wanted. Probably why I will go into the directing side eventually. Why I love producing and writing now.
Your work spans performance and visual art—when do you feel most like yourself: under stage lights, in front of a camera, or alone with a canvas?
Conventional modelling I don't ever feel myself. I think when I am with anyone (when a job is concerned) there is a performative aspect so creating visual art can be more freeing and I can relax a lot more. But I have had moments when its just me on the stage when I've been so absorbed in the moment, I felt like the only one there. The best high.
Ella wears the Ruby Cardi & Sally Skirt in Black
Many of your roles have a strong physical dimension—how do you build a character from the body outward rather than the mind inward?
From training I do a bit of physical stuff but I use other art to help and then I find I do it naturally having built the characters. I make playlists that get me in the headspace of the character, write as them, find clothes as them, collect images and things I can associate with them. And a fuck tone of research- if there' a chance to go physically somewhere for research I'm up for it. Also the director has a big input in what I chose- if they are my kind of director- they will have stuff for me to watch or study to help. Sometimes a movement person is brought in. Preferably you would also be really fit to be malleable but frankly if zombies attacked I'm getting eaten first, maybe fifth.
You've spoken about navigating dyslexia while working with dense texts like Shakespeare—how has that shaped your relationship to language, memory, and performance?
I hate the process of learning lines- actually I don't hate, it scares me. it's brilliant when the lines stay put!
Shakespeare was transformative to do as I found out he wrote for actors who couldn't read so they had designated readers- so they only ever learnt from listening. The words demanded to only be said allowed. Made me realise any script is meant to be heard when learning. Has helped the process a lot.
I can't learn the lines without emotional connection. I gotta do the analysist first before the words are retained. I also love the analysis bit so I try and do something that is rewarding before getting to the bit that's hard. A lot of tasting the words in my mouth, finding the music within and rhythm of the story. It can take a little longer for me to get the lines down but you gotta do what you gotta do!
My memory is great for the weird info and emotional tracking of characters but once I've done the job all lines disappear from my head. Done and dusted. Hilarious when people randomly ask you to recite Shakespeare and my mind goes blank- I can totally tell the person what the emotional experience of it is though.
Ella wears the Amira Top styled with her own short
You also paint and make music—are these more private practices, or do they directly inform your work as an actor?
I do all mediums when approaching characters- means I get to see the character as a whole. I'm also scared of missing something about them so can get a little obsessive.
I've struggled with the private practice. I did a series of art that was very personal and people wanted to buy it, and I wasn't comfortable doing so. I ended up giving them to people I know personally. I then tried doing commissions but I felt ugly and detached from the art- it became work for others and not for myself.. I feel the same with music. I find music and visual art unbelievably personal compared to performance, I also get stage fright when showing either my music or art. Ultimate vulnerability, so brilliant for exploring character work!
You spend time between London, Scotland, New York, and upstate New York—how does place influence your creative rhythm and sense of grounding?
I move too much. I know I need to be in one place for longer periods of time. It's better for my head, relationships and dog! I used to run away a lot, so now so I like having one home as my grounding, ensures I face things and get shit done. But you do have to go where work takes you. I have a thing about making sure I bring rocks from home with me- bit nuts but hey it works for me. Although screwed my baggage weight allowance before!
Ella wears the Arden Crochet Top and Jana Crochet Skirt in Skye Blue
What projects or collaborations are you currently excited about or looking forward to sharing?
I am going to be in the upcoming Universal film One Night Only coming out in cinemas in August.
I am very excited to be doing a play based on my mentor, Tina Packers work Women of Will. It's a two hander about a bartender/ actor (me) and a veteran actor (Nigel Gore) whilst in the off hours of a pub, they explore the life arc of Shakespeare alongside the women characters he created. By doing so we discover how as Shakespeare grows and becomes enlightened, his women change. We are performing it at the Edinburgh Festival this year at Summerhall 18th-31st Aug. Then have some likely plans for London and other cities, including NYC!
I am now working with Think Film as a new board member, to ensure impactful films are being made that can move minds and create positive change in the world. It's beyond rewarding and the people involved are incredible. Look out for the documentary Closure- it's perfect.
What have you been reading or watching lately that's stayed with you?
Gosh. Past year- An Immense World by Ed Yong- it's the ultimate gift for your mind to understanding the world as a non-human. Its trippy and magical. There is children's version of it too.
Shon Faye, Love in Exile- Exactly what is needed today to remind us of the humanity within everyone on a subject we can all connect with, Love.
Circe- just read it.
For prep work right now Shakespeare and Queer Theory, Women of Will, Vinegar Girl and ancient Celtic mythology. Oh and fucking Shakespeare of course.
How would you describe your personal style, and which Spring 26 ELEVEN SIX pieces are you loving incorporating into your wardrobe?
If I buy anything new it's from an independent designer who works ethically or (shamefully) because I'm either last minute got to run to an audition or meeting. I go second hand/ vintage for everything otherwise. Get me into a big second hand/ charity shop or pull out some vintage designer and I'm a very happy camper. I also swap, donate and sell stuff throughout the year.
26 ELEVEN SIX pieces are wonderfully versatile. My cardigan I just wore at Cannes over a fancy dress, and while doing this I'm wearing it with jeans and flipflops. It's perfect for inside A/C blasting rooms and evenings. Not heavy and cropped beautifully. I get a lot of compliments.
I love any of the tops over a slip dress. I have a silly amount of silk slips- the blouses make it casual and I love a quick transformation so taking it off if I need to get a bit more fancy and to use over shoulders.
Red dress- its sexy and chill. It makes me happy.
Everything is very playful and comfortable - screw being uncomfortable in the summer!