The AOI was founded in 1973 to support and sustain illustrators and the illustration industry. The staff team and the board are committed and proud to have illustrators interests at the heart of all we do, while engaging and challenging the wider industry.

Today Sam Arthur has stood down from the Board.

He says “I am of course aware of recent comments about Nobrow on Twitter. We consider these to be inaccurate, unfair and unjustified.  We have issued a detailed response which is on our website. However I appreciate that, justified or not, any publicity could be adverse to the interests of the AOI. I remain an advocate and supporter of the AOI and its representation of its members and would not want to become a distraction. For that reason I am stepping down with immediate effect.”

The coronavirus crisis and factors emerging from the broader market place has presented the whole industry, including the AOI, with a huge number of challenges and we are working hard to address them all as effectively and speedily as we possibly can.

This work will go alongside advising members on many business enquiries day to day. Clearly our current focus is on navigating this unprecedented health crisis. We are a non-profit with limited resources, and are focussing our energy in delivering the best service we can. In particular we are seeking support from Government for the many illustrators unfairly affected financially, professionally and emotionally.

It is great that you have been contacting us for all types of help, and once again we would reiterate that we are here to help so please do get in touch if you need to.

At our very core, our priority is illustrators. This will not change. We are caretakers of this extraordinary organisation, and will always welcome positive discussions to ensure a better industry for us all.