I’ve always had a passion for the illustration community. As a self-taught illustrator, I garnered my entire illustration education within the community; talking to other illustrators, listening, sharing resources and picking up little tit-bits as I went along. This combined with professional business support from organisations like the Association of Illustrators, was all I needed to get started.

Now, 10 years in, I like to think I might have some advice that could help other younger illustrators.

I’m pleased to announce that this Spring, I’ll be volunteering as an AOI peer-mentor. I’ve already selected the person I’ll be mentoring, from an incredible list of talented and motivated artists, and soon, we will be starting a 6 month programme of 1:1 support, where I’ll try to guide them through their questions and pick out ways that they benefit from my support.

And, I’m pretty sure that I’ll learn something along the way too.