Elizabeth Colwell (born Martha Elizabeth Colwell) is a pioneer in American graphic design. In a world dominated by men, Elizabeth Colwell made a name for herself as an illustrator, typographer and letterer, publishing and working in Chicago between 1904 and 1915. Her hand-lettered adverts for Cowan Furniture were widely published. Her work is certainly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, and her training at the Art Institute (in Chicago) place her squarely in the camp of the signature designers (as opposed to the systematic designers). After her studies he quickly found her way both into the world of art publishing (Americans were also inspired by the Kelmscott Press and this sparked the birth of many small art presses / publishers) and advertising—where her work for Cowan’s remains a fine example for the time.

Colwell also published books of poetry with her own illustrations (for example Songs of Tristan & Ysvelt) and a book on the making of color wood block prints. A technique which she learned at her time at the Art Institute of Chicago and a skill which she honed over the years, enabling her to exhibit and win recognition. Visually i would place her along with other representatives of the Arts and Crafts movement (like Beardsley or Morris) but her independence and drive make her a fine example of the modern woman that was powerful in the 1920s.